Baptism Beliefs

Baptism is the ritual action whereby a believer makes a public statement regarding their acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and expresses their intent to live their life within the Church of Jesus Christ by following his example as closely as possible. As such it expresses belief and acceptance of a place in the extended Body of Christ as represented by the church.

United Methodist churches baptize infants, in keeping with the instructions of John Wesley, believing that this practice is in keeping with Christ’s admonition to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them.” (Matthew 19:13, NRSV)

At First UMC, we celebrate baptism within the context of worship, and invite all in attendance to remember and reaffirm their own baptismal vows.

For more information about baptism, or to schedule a baptism, please contact the church office (303) 776-3523 and ask to speak to one of the pastors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

·         If I was baptized in another church, do I need to be baptized again in the United Methodist church?

No. The United Methodist Church recognizes all baptisms done in a Trinitarian setting, that is those who call on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As this comprises virtually all Christian churches, all baptisms are honored.

·         I was baptized as a child but my life has veered far away from the direction that I believe God wants me to go. Can I be baptized again as a sign of my commitment to follow Jesus and live a different kind of life?

The UMC does not practice re-baptism, believing that since baptism is a divinely initiated ritual, there is no need to re-institute a relationship that God has never broken. We do, however, often celebrate a ritual very similar to baptism called a “Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows” where we take the same actions of ritual cleansing with water, and re-affirming those vows that were made at a person’s original baptism. This allows someone who wishes to re-direct their life as a follower of Christ to have their decision recognized and celebrated by the gathered worshiping congregation.

·         I would like to be baptized, but I don’t want to do it in front of a lot of people. Can I have a private baptism with just a pastor?

No. Since the UMC believes that baptism is a public declaration of belief and intended direction in life as part of the larger church of Jesus Christ, it should be done in the presence of representatives of the larger church. However, baptism does not have to be done in a worship setting. We can arrange for a baptism with a pastor and one or more representatives of the congregation present. This allows both for a limited amount of people present, and the ability to witness and celebrate this profound step with the larger church represented.

·         A family member told me that any baptism that doesn’t include being completely immersed in water isn’t a real baptism. What does the United Methodist Church believe in this regard?

The UMC believes that the manner of baptism, with regard to how water is included in the ritual, is not of primary importance. Churches may immerse, pour water over the head, or ‘sprinkle’ – usually done by taking water on the hand and touching the head. These practices follow the teaching of John Wesley, with is based on solid Biblical study, noting that the Greek word for baptism refers in the Bible both to items which can be immersed (cups and bowls) and to other items which cannot (couches – appears in the NKJV in Mark 7:4). If someone preparing for baptism expresses a strong desire for one method of baptism over another, our pastors at First UMC will do all they can to make that a reality.

·         Somebody told me that if my baby dies before I can have them baptized, they will not be allowed into heaven. Is that true?

Absolutely not! United Methodists understand that babies receive God’s Grace regardless of whether or not they are baptized. Baptism of infants is an opportunity for the parent(s) to state their beliefs and intentions regarding how the baby is to be raised. God’s love is poured out for everyone, and in the case of infants and children too young to understand and accept it, we believe that they are included through the prevenient actions of Grace.