Baptism Frequently Asked Questions
What do I have to do to be baptised or to have my child baptised?
Baptism is about the good news that God has done everything for you. Our church will not charge you any money, as God’s love for us is free. If you become a member of our church, you may decide to become regular in your giving to assist in the running of the church.
Can I arrange a baptism for my child at any time or place?
Baptism is more than a private celebration, it is about a new birth or rebirth in Jesus Christ. You are becoming a member of a new family, the household of God. The baptism should usually take place during an ordinary Sunday service (our 9 am service is very Family Friendly). However, in emergencies baptisms can take place outside of the church, such as in hospital.
Is ‘christening’ the same as ‘baptism’?
Yes, christening and baptism are the same. If you have been ‘christened’, then you have been ‘baptised’. Baptism in the Anglican church is accepted by other mainline churches. You are baptised into the Christian faith, not into a particular denomination.
Do I have to come to church every Sunday?
There are no rules about attendance at church, but we want you to discover the joy of being part of God’s family. We’ll ask you to attend a baptism class led by members of the church which will cover the meaning of baptism, the promises you will make for yourself or your child on the day and the service itself will be explained. We hope you’ll see church attendance as a way of keeping the baptism promises you make for your child.
Do both parents have to be baptised?
At least one parent must be baptised. It is difficult to see how parents can make the promises for their children if they don’t profess a faith themselves. You and your child can both be baptised in the same service if you are not baptised, but would like to be.
How do I choose godparents or sponsors for my child?
You can choose between two and four people, preferably at least one who is the same gender as the child. The sponsors should be baptised members of a church and have a genuine faith in God themselves. The promises that sponsors make on behalf of their godchild should not be taken lightly.
Is there any difference between the baptism of adults and children?
The same words are used for both services, however adults are able to make the promises for themselves (although it is still good to have a sponsor to support you). As an adult, you can choose between a “sprinkling” and full immersion. Children are baptised on the understanding that they will grow up into faith with the help of parents and godparents or sponsors. When they reach adulthood and decide to take the faith on for themselves, they can confirm their baptism promises at a confirmation service with the bishop.
Does it matter what church I come to for baptism?
You are always welcome to join us at one of our services. A lot of people have had an association with a church and want to return. If you’re already attending a church, you will need to inform them that you’ve decided to have your child’s baptism at our church. Sometimes we may suggest that you follow up your journey of faith with your own church.
I’m not ready to make promises involved just yet. What else can I do?
That’s okay, it’s better to be honest. If you want to celebrate the birth of your child before God, we can provide a special Thanksgiving for a Child service which we can tailor in order to fit your situation. Talk to the minister or come to church to see what you think. We will support and pray for you as you consider these matters.
Baptism is about the good news that God has done everything for you. Our church will not charge you any money, as God’s love for us is free. If you become a member of our church, you may decide to become regular in your giving to assist in the running of the church.
Can I arrange a baptism for my child at any time or place?
Baptism is more than a private celebration, it is about a new birth or rebirth in Jesus Christ. You are becoming a member of a new family, the household of God. The baptism should usually take place during an ordinary Sunday service (our 9 am service is very Family Friendly). However, in emergencies baptisms can take place outside of the church, such as in hospital.
Is ‘christening’ the same as ‘baptism’?
Yes, christening and baptism are the same. If you have been ‘christened’, then you have been ‘baptised’. Baptism in the Anglican church is accepted by other mainline churches. You are baptised into the Christian faith, not into a particular denomination.
Do I have to come to church every Sunday?
There are no rules about attendance at church, but we want you to discover the joy of being part of God’s family. We’ll ask you to attend a baptism class led by members of the church which will cover the meaning of baptism, the promises you will make for yourself or your child on the day and the service itself will be explained. We hope you’ll see church attendance as a way of keeping the baptism promises you make for your child.
Do both parents have to be baptised?
At least one parent must be baptised. It is difficult to see how parents can make the promises for their children if they don’t profess a faith themselves. You and your child can both be baptised in the same service if you are not baptised, but would like to be.
How do I choose godparents or sponsors for my child?
You can choose between two and four people, preferably at least one who is the same gender as the child. The sponsors should be baptised members of a church and have a genuine faith in God themselves. The promises that sponsors make on behalf of their godchild should not be taken lightly.
Is there any difference between the baptism of adults and children?
The same words are used for both services, however adults are able to make the promises for themselves (although it is still good to have a sponsor to support you). As an adult, you can choose between a “sprinkling” and full immersion. Children are baptised on the understanding that they will grow up into faith with the help of parents and godparents or sponsors. When they reach adulthood and decide to take the faith on for themselves, they can confirm their baptism promises at a confirmation service with the bishop.
Does it matter what church I come to for baptism?
You are always welcome to join us at one of our services. A lot of people have had an association with a church and want to return. If you’re already attending a church, you will need to inform them that you’ve decided to have your child’s baptism at our church. Sometimes we may suggest that you follow up your journey of faith with your own church.
I’m not ready to make promises involved just yet. What else can I do?
That’s okay, it’s better to be honest. If you want to celebrate the birth of your child before God, we can provide a special Thanksgiving for a Child service which we can tailor in order to fit your situation. Talk to the minister or come to church to see what you think. We will support and pray for you as you consider these matters.