| Baptism in the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) takes water -- plenty of water. Disciples practice "baptism
by immersion" because it mirrors New Testament practice. In addition, Disciples
see immersion as powerfully symbolic. It recalls Jesus' own baptism; it
acts out dying with Christ and emerging to new life; it is a "putting on"
of Christ. The person being baptized experiences the firm support of the
community -- of the Body of Christ -- in the arms and hands of the minister,
feels the plunge of commitment, and bursts into new life with the sound
and feel of rushing water. At the conclusion of a Disciples baptism, the
congregation most often is asked to pledge support of the newly-baptized
person in her or his faith journey.
Disciples typically are baptized when they can express as a personal choice their desire to become part of the Body of Christ. Disciples call the practice "believer's baptism." Infant dedication is a common Disciples tradition. A baby is brought into the environment of a loving church where parents and congregation pledge themselves to nurture the child in the love of Christ. An infant so dedicated "confirms" that dedication with a faith-response usually during the early teenage years, about the same time when many Disciples are baptized. Most Disciples today recognize other forms of baptism as valid. A person baptized in another Christian tradition wishing to join a Disciples congregation is simply asked: "Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and proclaim him Lord and Savior of your life?" The person who answers, "I do," is welcomed into the congregation. |
