A person is ready to be baptized if he asks God to forgive his sins and accept Jesus as Savior. Before you get baptized, there are a few things you need to prepare. When you and your christian are in the water, say your baptismal vows calmly and ask him to repeat what you said. Then, bless the candidate for baptism and then lower his body into the water. When he stands again, it symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and new life for the newly baptized.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Baptism
Step 1. Fill the baptismal font with warm water
Filling the christening pool to the brim usually takes 20-30 minutes. So, start filling the pool early, but not so quickly that the water gets cold, unless the pool has a water heater. Skip this step if the christening does not use a pool.
Apart from the pool, baptism is allowed in other places, such as in the sea, in a lake, or in a river, but make sure the water is high enough so that the candidate for baptism can be immersed in the water
Step 2. Make sure the baptismal candidate is wearing the right clothes
Before performing the baptism, inform the baptism candidate so that he is not wearing light or transparent clothes and not too loose so that he will not be exposed when he enters the water. Wearing shorts is better than long pants because it absorbs less water.
Baptismal candidates should wear dark clothes that are a bit tight. Some churches provide special gowns for baptisms
Step 3. Remind the baptism candidate to remain calm and not to panic
When laid down, the baptismal candidate may fear or resist. Therefore, you need to explain this possibility before baptizing. Remind him to stay relaxed and let him know that you will support him while he is lying down.
Make sure you let him know that you're going to submerge him in the water and then pick him up again. Ask him to cooperate as you lift him out of the water
Step 4. Walk into the water
Once you are in the water, ask the baptism candidate to follow you. Usually, you stand facing the baptismal candidate, while the baptismal candidate stands sideways. Try to keep your chest next to his shoulders.
Occasionally, the candidate for baptism stands facing the audience. Make sure you stand next to the baptismal candidate to be able to support him as best as possible
Part 2 of 3: Making Baptism Promises
Step 1. Have him repeat your baptismal vows
Baptismal vows vary depending on church teachings and congregational beliefs, but are generally made up of several sentences. Break the sentence down into a few short phrases so the baptism candidate can repeat what you say correctly.
Step 2. Say each word slowly with clear articulation
Baptismal candidates may feel nervous standing in front of many people. So, make sure he can clearly hear the phrases you're saying and convey each word wholeheartedly so that it's easy to understand.
Speak in a calm, soft tone of voice to match the solemnity of the ceremony that is taking place
Step 3. Break the baptismal vows into a few short phrases
If the baptismal candidate is ready to take his baptismal vows, begin the baptism by saying, "I believe that Jesus is the Christ." Stop so he can repeat the phrases you say. Continue by saying, "Son of the living God" and let him repeat it. Then, "I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior".
- There are various versions of the baptismal vows, for example by asking the baptism candidate a question, instead of asking him to repeat a phrase you say.
- Example questions: Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead? Are you willing to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? Baptismal candidates must answer each question with a "Yes" or "I believe/will".
- Ask your local pastor or church leader about different versions of the baptismal vows.
Step 4. Bless the baptismal candidate before you submerge him in the water
After he has made his baptismal vows, give a blessing according to the formal baptismal ordinance by saying, "Ellis, I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as a remission of your sins and a blessing from the Holy Spirit."
Part 3 of 3: Performing Baptism
Step 1. Tell the baptismal candidate that he or she must cover his nose
After saying the baptismal vows, remind the baptism candidate to cover his nostrils so that water does not get in when he is drowned. Although it is not necessary, many people prefer to cover their nose when lying down.
If he doesn't cover his nose, have him cross his arms across his chest
Step 2. Place 1 palm behind his body and another in front
When he is ready, place one palm on his back. You can support her back with your palms or support her shoulders with your forearms. Hold the palms of the hands crossed in front of the chest or that are not used to cover the nose.
Step 3. Lower the body into the water
By definition, to be baptized means to be immersed in water. Slowly, lower the body into the water until it is completely under the surface of the water. If his weight is relatively light, his legs can lift off the bottom of the pool when he is submerged.
- If it's easier for both of you, he can bend your knees.
- In some churches, the baptized person is drowned 3 times, one each for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The ordinance of baptism must be carried out according to the rules of the church, the person who baptises, and the wishes of the candidate for baptism, but make sure he already knows that he will be drowned 3 times.
Step 4. Remove the baptized person from the water
After propping him in the water for 1-2 seconds, lift him up using your forearms. Usually, the two of you will need to work together so that he can stand up again when picked up. If he's having trouble getting back up, grab his upper arms from behind and lift them up.
To show Jesus' love and confirm his new status as part of God's family, hug or shake his hand before the two of you leave the pool
Tips
- Give a detailed explanation of the baptismal process to the baptism candidate so that he knows what will be experienced when he is baptized.
- Before baptizing, make sure the candidate for baptism has consulted with the pastor and understands the meaning of baptism. In general, churches open courses or seminars on baptism so that people who want to be baptized really understand the meaning and procedure of baptism.
