Baptism in the United Methodist Church
In the United Methodist Church, baptism is understood as a sacrament instituted by Christ that initiates individuals into the universal Church and incorporation into God's saving acts. United Methodists practice infant and adult baptism as a divine gift of rebirth through water and the Holy Spirit, marking the start of a lifelong journey of sanctifying grace rather than a complete end to sin's presence.
Because baptism is an unrepeatable act of God, it is received only once, though individuals can participate in reaffirmation services later in life. Baptism establishes a spiritual covenant between the individual and the whole faith community. It is intended to take place publicly surrounded by the local congregation, whose members vow to support and nurture the newly baptized in their walk of discipleship.
Because baptism is an unrepeatable act of God, it is received only once, though individuals can participate in reaffirmation services later in life. Baptism establishes a spiritual covenant between the individual and the whole faith community. It is intended to take place publicly surrounded by the local congregation, whose members vow to support and nurture the newly baptized in their walk of discipleship.
