A Charismatic Baptismal Service

Baptism is usually held where running water is present (such as a stream or lake), but church baptisteries or swimming pools are also used. If the baptism is held indoors, the baptism, ideally, should be part of a regular service where most of the congregation can be present as witnesses to the event.

People assemble as a group near the water (or in the front of the sanctuary). In addition to one or two ministers for the actual baptism, a worship leader is needed and additional readers, if desired. Welcome and Prayer The pastor or worship leader offers words of welcome and explains what is to take place. The pastor may want to explain the teaching that those being baptized received and may also want to explain in greater detail what baptism is all about. One of the pastors then leads in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to come and minister to those who are being baptized. Opening Worship This part of the service is led by a worship leader with or without an additional worship team. The music usually focuses on salvation issues and the sufficiency of Christ for all that takes place in a person's life. Opportunity is given during this worship time for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of those present, as some who are visiting to see the baptism may make a personal decision for the Lord. Others present may need a special touch. Those being baptized may want to take this time to search their hearts for issues they may need to resolve. Since they are not yet in front of the group, their sponsors may want to pray with them during this time to rid them of anything that would hinder their walk with Christ. Presentation Baptismal candidates are brought forward and presented with sponsors who will assume responsibility to encourage the spiritual growth of those baptized. For one candidate, the person should select a baptized believer from the congregation to be their sponsor. If more than one candidate is present, someone should be named to present the group of candidates and sponsors. Something close to the following can be said: "Pastor, on behalf of the church of Jesus Christ, I present this person [these persons] to be baptized in obedience to Christ's example and teaching." Scripture Readings. Three readings are given. These can be read uninterrupted or alternated with hymns or praise choruses. Usually the texts are: Jeremiah 31:31–34 Romans 6:3–11 Matthew 28:16–20 Message. A baptismal message may be offered by one of the pastors.

Music. Another hymn or chorus may be sung as the candidates prepare for the actual baptism.

Baptism. The minister may then offer the following questions: To the candidates: Minister: Is it your intention to enter into the waters of baptism as a mark of Covenant with your Lord? Candidate: It is. Minister: Do you confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord; that He is the Son of God who died on the cross for your redemption, and rose again in victory over sin and death? Candidate: I confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Minister: Have you repented of your sin and accepted this work on the cross for your own life? Candidate: I have. Minister: Do you intend to live a Christian life through the power of the Holy Spirit available to you? Candidate: I so intend. To the sponsors (if present to support the candidate): Minister: Are you willing to give of yourself to pray for, offer counsel to, and encourage this candidate through the Spirit of God that so wonderfully works within you? Sponsor: That is my desire. Minister: Will you purpose to seek the best for these candidates concerning their walk and witness for Christ? Sponsor: I will with God's help. To the congregation: Minister: Will you accept these who have come as fellow members and pilgrims on our journey of faith? People: We will. Minister: Will you, along with their sponsors, offer help and encouragement as they grow in Christ? People: We will, with God's help. Candidates then led into the water for baptism. Prior to the actual baptism, they are given an opportunity to share what Christ means to them. They are then baptized by immersion, with the pastor saying: "?[Name], I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.?"

Anointing. After all candidates have been baptized, they are, in turn, anointed with oil on their heads by one of the ministers. (This may be done in the sign of the cross.)

Minister: "[Name], you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as a child of the covenant." Prayer is then offered by the ministers for the release of the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the one just baptized. Additional prayers, prophetic words and words of knowledge and wisdom may be offered by those in attendance. A closing song can be offered unless the congregation is going to celebrate Communion together, which would begin at this time. Benediction. May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Heb. 13:20–21). Reception. After the closing song and benediction, the candidates are then greeted by the fellowship present and welcomed into the community of faith.