2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Baptism: Infants

290. All persons to be baptized shall have the choice of baptism by immersion, pouring or sprinkling. Since children are born into this world with natures inclined to sin, and yet the prevenient grace of God provides for their redemption during the period before reaching the age of accountability, those parents who so choose may testify to their faith in God’s provision by presenting their small children for baptism, while those who prefer to emphasize baptism as a testimony by individual believers to their own act of faith may present their children for dedication.

2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Mark 10:13-16; 2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Acts 2:38-39; 16:15; 18:8.

A. Dedication of Infants

5500. (When the parents, guardians or other sponsors have presented themselves with their children before the minister, the minister shall say:)

Dear friends, you have brought these children^* whom God has given you to be dedicated to God and to His service. By this act you testify to your faith in the Christian religion, and also your desire that your children shall receive the benefits of consecration to God, and of the prayers of the church, and may early learn to know and follow the will of God; and therefore may live a Christian life.

In order for this to happen, it will be your duty as parents to teach your children early the fear of the Lord; to watch over their education, that they may not be led astray by false teachings or doctrines, to direct their minds to the Holy Scriptures as expressing the will and authority of God for all people, and to direct their feet to the sanctuary, to restrain them from evil associates and habits; and, as much as you are able, to bring them up in the Lord’s discipline and instruction. Will you endeavor to do so, by the help of the Lord?

(Then the parents or guardians shall answer:)

We will.

(Then the minister shall read the following Scripture lesson:)

“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them” (2016 Wesleyan Discipline:Mark 10:13-16).

(Then the minister shall ask the parents or guardians the name of each child to be dedicated, take each child in arms, lay a hand upon the child’s head, and say:)

____________ ___________, in behalf of your parents and of this congregation, I dedicate you unto the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Then the minister may pray.)

_______________________
^*Throughout the ritual, whenever instructions are given to the officiating minister, or a word may change form due to the gender or number of persons involved in the ritual on a given occasion, that word(s) is printed in italics to alert the minister who reads. “These children” may become “this child,” “he” may become “she” or “they,” etc.”

B. Baptism of Infants

5510. (When the parents, guardians or other sponsors have presented themselves with their children before the minister, the minister shall say:)

Dear friends, you have brought these children whom God has given you to be baptized, thereby testifying to your own commitment of faith in Christ and the assurance you hold that the grace of God is even now at work in their lives. Forasmuch as these children are now presented by you, it will be your duty as parents to teach them as soon as they are able to learn, the nature and meaning of this sacrament. In order to testify to your faith and to your desire to nurture your children within this faith, please respond to these questions.

Do you present your children for baptism as a sign of the grace of God which is extended even now to your children through the atoning work of Christ and declares them to be a part of the family of God? And,

Do you promise with the help of God to bring your children up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord, to pray with them and for them, and to make every effort to so order your own life that you will not cause these little ones to stumble? And,

Do you intend to encourage your children as soon as they are able to comprehend its significance to acknowledge personally their own faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to serve God faithfully in the fellowship of His Church?

(Then the parents will respond:)


We do, God being our helper.


(Then the minister shall ask the parents or guardians the name of each child, take it in arms, and baptize each child saying:)

____________ ____________, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Then the minister may pray.)