Christenings / Baptisms

This page is primarily for people who are thinking about having a child baptised.  If you're an adult looking for baptism yourself, click here.

The Baptism of Children

Parents

In our experience, many parents who bring their child for baptism are not fully aware of everything the church has to offer and have sometimes been led to believe things about baptism which bear only a faint resemblance to what the Bible understands by the practice.  Therefore, in order to enable parents to benefit as much as possible, and to give them the opportunity to experience the fullness of what Christian baptism entails, we invite everyone who is thinking about having their child baptised to attend a series of three discussions about Jesus, baptism and the church.  Dates for these series are published further down the page.  We also expect parents who are thinking about baptism to get involved in the life of the church, and at the very least attend church services on Sundays.

Our three-week series is called Considering Christening and is usually hosted by the Rector.  Each session lasts just an hour, and is simply an informal discussion over tea or coffee looking at what the Bible has to say about the topics in question.  Though there are particular things we have to discuss during the three weeks, we also try to answer any question that parents have.  Because this is a discussion group which sometimes demands concentration, it is preferable if alternative arrangements are made for child-care.  However, if child-care is not available, it is better that both parents come with the children than one stays at home to baby-sit.

Shortly after the series finishes, the Rector will meet with the parents in their own home to discuss plans for the future.  This is the earliest date at which we will arrange a date for a service of baptism.  Every year we run a follow-up course called Christianity Explored which we strongly recommend to all parents and Godparents.

Godparents

Being a Godparent is a wonderful privilege and an awesome responsibility.  It goes without saying that Godparents are to be trusted friends of the parents who would take care of the children should anything happen to the parents, but this does not convey the full picture.  The relationship of Godparent to child is primarily one of spiritual oversight.  Godparents play a key role in the child's growth to maturity in the Christian faith.

For this reason, the church requires that all Godparents are baptised, confirmed and over 16 years of age.  It may save face if parents do not choose Godparents until they have attended the Considering Christening course.

Thanksgiving

Alongside Considering Christening, we invite all parents to celebrate the fact that God has given them a child through birth or adoption with a Service of Thanksgiving.  This gives parents a great opportunity to thank God publicly for their child, to celebrate with friends, family and the local community, and to ask for God's blessing upon the child and their family.

In our experience, some parents do not feel able to make the demanding promises of the baptism service, some are unsure of the Christian faith, and some are nervous about being too involved with the church.  If you feel that any of these things describes you, then the Service of Thanksgiving is ideal for you and your family.   It makes far fewer demands on parents than the service of baptism with regard to bringing the child to church regularly, praying and reading the bible with the child.  Some parents therefore opt to enjoy this celebration and not pursue baptism until later.  We are very pleased to be able to offer this celebratory service for this important life-event.

On the other hand, some parents have found that the Service of Thanksgiving has been a first step to them rediscovering faith or even coming to faith for the first time.  This is good for them, for their children, for the church family and ultimately for the local community too!  It is our hope that in God's perfect time all the families who celebrate this Service of Thanksgiving for their child will indeed present their child for baptism.   Whether you decide to pursue baptism and a fuller engagement with the God and his people or choose to celebrate only the Service of Thanksgiving, the church rejoices with you and prays for you.

The Baptism of Adults

If you are an adult thinking about being baptised, we would be very happy to welcome you to our fellowship.  Contrary to what some people assume, we can baptise adults as well as children!

If you are serious about following Jesus, the best thing for you to do is to contact the Rector in person.
If you are considering baptism because you have been asked to be a Godparent, please note the following two things before you call.

Privilege

Congratulations!  Being a Godparent is both a fantastic privilege and a big responsibility.  Your conversations with the Rector will help you to fulfil your role in the future.

Major Decision

Being baptised as an adult is a major decision, and we want to help you and make sure you are indeed ready to make this decision.  For this reason, it is likely to take at least 3 months of discussions with the Rector and others before you will be baptised.  You will be expected to declare that the faith of the church is also your own faith - i.e. that you believe the same things and are prepared to demonstrate that faith by your day-to-day behaviour and by your regular attendance at Sunday worship.  Christianity Explored is a great place to start thinking about these issues.  In preparation for your initial chat with the Rector, you may like to look at what we believe.  You should advise the friends who asked you to be a godparent of this process and the delay it may entail so they do not organise their celebration of baptism too soon.  Perhaps it would be appropriate to invite them to join you on your journey of discovery.

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