New Life @ New Covenant Lutheran Church

• Why do we baptize?
• When should one be baptized?
• Does New Covenant baptize infants and young children?
• Why baptize an infant?
• Is there something the church does to "mark" the baptism as they grow and come to faith in Jesus Christ?
• Does New Covenant baptize adults and young adults as believers?
• Is faith in God required for baptism?
• Are there instances of believer baptisms and infant baptisms happening side by side?
• Is it too late for me to be baptized as an adult?
• If I was baptized as a child and left the church but now have experienced a conversion of faith in Jesus Christ, should I be re-baptized?
• If I was baptized in another Christian denomination, should I get baptized now as a Lutheran?
• What are sponsors or godparents and do we need them?
• What if I want a private baptism?
• What should I do to set up a baptism?
• Who should we invite?

Because Jesus said so – "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
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There are no explicit instructions in the Bible about when one should be baptized.
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Yes, we offer baptism for the children whose parents desire this relationship for their child. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs" (Matthew 19:14). We baptize infants and young children by pouring water over their heads three times, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
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First, one might ask the question, why not? When searching Scripture in order to answer the infant baptism question, the issue should be evaluated both for what is says and what it does not say. In looking for specific references which include children and infants in Baptism, we find several incidents of whole households being baptized. In looking for Scripture references that prohibit infant baptism, we find none.
For infants a public renunciation of sin and statement of faith is not a requirement for baptism. An infant cannot choose to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. So parents and sponsors (and the church) speak on behalf of the infant regarding their faith. God initiates our relationship with Him. God chooses us first and then waits for our faithful response.
Infants are not baptized because they believe, but because of the Word and Command to baptize "Go and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28) …" and because of the promises and discipleship of parents and sponsors.
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Yes – as baptized infants grow, faith comes through hearing God’s Word proclaimed. It is essential for parents to bring their children to worship, Sunday School, Confirmation as well as for parents to take a leadership role in their families, teaching them the Scriptures, prayer, and integrating faith into their daily lives. It is also helpful for parents and sponsors to celebrate the anniversary of the baptism, using this as a teaching opportunity about God’s promise for them.
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Yes, if they are individually led by the power of the Holy Spirit to desire baptism which means to desire a life of discipleship with Jesus Christ. We baptize adults and young adults by immersion in the river or a pool. Adults can request to be sprinkled from a basin as well.
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In the Book of Acts, adults are baptized after coming to faith. For adults who desire to be baptized this still holds true. One comes to faith as an adult, repenting (turning from our sin back towards God) and believing the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life which comes to us from Jesus Christ. In Mark 16:16 we are reminded that "Whosoever believes and is baptized will be saved."
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In Acts 16:14-15, Luke says that Lydia believed and he indicates that on that basis of her believing, her whole household was baptized. It would seem odd if there were no children present in any of the households baptized. Luke never differentiates between believers and unbelievers in the household – indicating that their belief or unbelief was immaterial to the question of whether or not one should be baptized. The significant subject was the belief and the discipleship of the head of the household.
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Absolutely not! Jesus tells a story of a father whose son runs away from home. After a time, the son realizes how lost he now is without his father and decides to return home and beg to become a slave in his father’s house. But once the father sees his son, he immediately celebrates and welcomes him back into the family with open arms as his son. So it is with our Heavenly Father – God – and his love for those who have run away from him (Luke 15: 11-32).
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The Bible tells many stories of conversion to the Christian faith, but no one story of rebaptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If you have already been baptized, a second baptism will not change God’s love for you. You may, however, participate in a "recognition of baptism" service if desired.
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No, there is no need to be re-baptized. There is not such thing as a "Lutheran baptism" or a "Catholic baptism". As long as you were baptized in a Christian baptism service, with the words, "baptized in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit", it doesn’t matter where the baptism took place.
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This practice is not found in the Bible but comes to us from the tradition of the historical Christian church. We encourage this custom for parents bringing infants and children for baptism because it helps to have other people to stand with you during such an important time. Sponsors should be spiritually mature who will walk with you and your child as Christians – praying for them and you, speaking/writing to them about the importance of faith and supporting you in the acts of rearing our children in the Christian faith.
Adults being baptized are invited and encouraged to participate in our "Disciple Life" class in order to find the ways in which you will follow Jesus Christ as an adult through the ministries of New Covenant. It is time to explore the Christian faith with your faith family. We don’t want baptism to be a legalist ritual. We want you to know what this "New Life" is all about!
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Baptism is a public event for the whole Christian family. Like a wedding service, a baptism is best done in a group for the sake of celebration. If, however, getting baptized in a public setting is the only thing keeping you from getting baptized, please talk with the Pastor.
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If you would like to schedule a baptism at New Covenant, please attend an upcoming "Baptism Class" at New Covenant. After attending the class please fill out the New Covenant Baptism Form and email a copy of it to the church office amy.saunders@newcovenantaz.org. River Baptisms or "Recognition of Baptisms" by full immersion are held yearly the Saturday before Easter and are arranged for additional times.
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Invite everyone you can think of! Get dressed up, take pictures, celebrate, listen to the promises, share a spiritual meal, profess your faith and have a big meal afterwards with the people whom you share your life and faith.
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