Baptism: Children

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.

Mark 10:13-16; Acts 2:38-39; 16:15; 18:8. 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.)