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Details
Before the baptism, the person to be baptized should naturally understand what they are committing to. Relevant Bible studies can help with this, as can our statement of faith and even our membership form. The latter includes a statement one signs, reading in part: "As a follower of Christ, I have been baptized for the forgiveness of sins and wish to actively participate in the spiritual building up of the Berlin Church of Christ through both personal involvement and financial support."
Once the costs have been counted with the person to be baptized, nothing stands in the way of the baptism. (Ideally, an experienced member who has not previously been involved should be brought in to help counting the costs.)
The following questions regarding a baptism during the worship service should be clarified (generally, the person to be baptized can decide these matters, though they would likely appreciate suggestions):
When should the baptism take place? (As soon as the person is inwardly ready. If they do not wish to be baptized on a Sunday, the baptism can also take place in a lake, river, or bathtub.
Recommendation for a baptism during the worship service: Schedule it early enough before Communion so that the first things the person consumes after the baptism are the body and blood of Christ.)
Who would like to be at the microphone?
Who would like to read a specific Bible passage?
Who would like to have the towel ready?
Who would like to take photos or film?
Who would like to ask the baptismal questions?
Is a specific song requested?
Does anyone else wish to say something? (The person being baptized themselves?)
Of course, it is also good to consider whom to invite to the baptism (family, friends, acquaintances). One can also prepare spiritually for the baptism by fasting and confessing one's sins in detail leading up to the event. Fasting signifies the act of doing without. Thus, the person being baptized, the baptizer, and other participants can all fast. For some, fasting represents renouncing sin; for others, it highlights the sacrifice involved in caring for a new child of God. (Naturally, both aspects also have significant positive sides.)
The following people should be informed as early as possible: a member of the church council
On the Sunday in question:
Meet about one hour before the service begins and fill the baptismal font with water. Does anything need to be protected?
Ideally, also have an extra towel ready for the person being baptized to stand on after the baptism.
(Water level if the baptismal font is used: approx. 15–20 cm below the rim.)
The order of service is roughly as follows:
Notify the Sunday school teachers about the baptism beforehand and send someone in good time to fetch the children's classes.
Brief introduction and story about the person being baptized.
Baptismal questions:
"Do you believe in God, the Almighty Father, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, who was crucified for your sins, died, and was buried, and that He rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead—and in the Holy Spirit and the communion of saints?" (Answer: "Yes")
"What is your good confession?" (Response: “Jesus is my Lord!”)
“Based on your faith and your confession, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of your sins. Through this, you become a child of God and part of the body of Christ, and you receive the Holy Spirit.”
Have a towel ready.
Baptism – ensure that the person being baptized is fully immersed. (The baptizer should also remove their watch and roll up their sleeves.)
Afterwards, prayer (with the laying on of hands—as a gesture only; not necessary to receive the Holy Spirit): “You are now a child of God; all your sins are forgiven, and you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Hallelujah!”
