We want to be part of your life-changing experience of Christian Holy Baptism.
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change. We believe that God has already been at work in your life and already loves you exactly where you are. By choosing to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit you are choosing to recognize and welcome the grace of God that is at work in your life.
If you have not been baptized before then our Pastor would love to talk to you about baptism and what it means. We want to do everything we can to make your day of baptism a special one. If you have a child that has not been baptized yet we would love to schedule a baptism for your child as well.
In the United Methodist Church, we recognize three methods of baptism. It is your personal choice which method you want. Sprinkling and pouring are done in the sanctuary. If you desire an immersion baptism we can accommodate that, but will likely need to go off-site to make that happen. Luckily, there is water all around Adair.
Our Pastor would love to talk to you beforehand about your baptism, but if you are in church one morning and you feel the call of God on your life to receive Holy Baptism that morning, simply come forward during the hymn of invitation and let the pastor know you are ready to be baptized.
You’ve already been baptized?
A common question people ask is if they can be rebaptized. In the Wesleyan tradition, we do not rebaptize a person. We believe that once you are baptized, even if you turn away from God, God remains there for you. Therefore, to rebaptize would be to say that God’s grace was not sufficient the first time.
So instead, as an act of you returning to God, we offer any and all persons, who have been baptized before, a ritual of a reaffirmation of baptism. You can schedule this with the pastor or come forward during the hymn of invitation. A reaffirmation of baptism is still a very special and holy event. We would love to nurture you along your path with Jesus.
Will you baptize my infant?
Absolutely! We not only allow infant baptism, but we also encourage it! God is at work in your baby’s life even before they know it. That is what we call ‘Prevenient Grace’. As long as you can honestly say that you will raise the child in the Christian Way, we would love to baptize your child.
Do you recognize my baptism from another church or denomination?
In almost all cases, if you have been baptized in a Christian Baptism, meaning you have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then yes, your baptism is recognized and celebrated here! In a few rare cases, depending on what church you come from, the pastor may want to talk to you about receiving Christian Baptism. If you are in any doubt, please talk to the pastor and he will explore your faith and baptismal options with you.
