What is baptism?

Baptism is a response to God’s love – a desire and a commitment to respond to God’s call to follow the example of Jesus Christ. It is also a celebration, a time to come together with family and friends; remembering that you are loved by God, are part of a wider community and have a place with God’s people.

The baptism service

The baptism service is similar to the service for a child’s baptism, except that because you make the decision and the promises yourself, there is no role required for parents or godparents (who make decisions and promises on behalf of a child).

You may decide to have supporting friends or ‘sponsors’ – this can be anyone who wishes to encourage you in your Christian faith. It may be a friend, or someone in your family and you may have more than one person if you wish.

You can read the Service of Holy Baptism in full just here. You are referred to as a ‘candidate’ throughout the service and all the parts which refer to a child, parents and godparents aren’t included when an adult is being baptized. The vicar will make these adjustments.

At the point you are baptized, you may be either fully immersed in water, or, you may simply have water poured or wiped on your head. The vicar doing your baptism will tell you what usually happens in your church.

Your vicar will probably suggest that you prepare for your baptism by reading a relevant book or by attending meetings or events in the church that will help you think about this new beginning. Most churches will offer a short course to prepare for confirmation and if both are happening in the same service, your vicar will invite you to attend these sessions.

Contacting the vicar