On Baptism, Confirmation, & Blessing
Baptism
Baptism is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given to believers by God.[1] The gospels describe Jesus’ own baptism (Matt. 3:13-17; Mk 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; Jn 1:32-34) and his commandment to his followers to repent and be baptized (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:16). Therefore, we acknowledge that baptism is an act of obedience for anyone who confesses belief in Jesus Christ. According to Scripture, baptism is not required for salvation (Romans 10:9-10).
At Trinity we affirm and practice a dual approach to baptism which includes both “paedo” and “credo” baptisms. We believe this dual approach to baptism is most consistent with our “three streams ministry” and gives honor to the diversity of traditions and backgrounds represented within our community.
Paedo Baptisms:
As has been practiced by the historic church, we gladly affirm a form of baptism known as “paedo” or infant baptism. This means that we administer the sacrament of baptism to babies and small children of committed Christian parents.
Since the earliest days of the Christian church, the baptism of infants and small children has been administered as a sign of God’s covenantal faithfulness.[2]
Parents who present infants or small children to be baptized must commit to raising their children in the knowledge and fear of the Lord with the expectation that they will one day profess full Christian faith as their own.
Credo Baptisms:
“Credo-baptism” occurs when a person of reasonable age makes a profession of faith, receives theological instruction, and is baptized. We joyfully celebrate children, youth and adults who come to have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ and desire to be baptized.
Baptism Sundays occur twice a year. Please check out our events page for upcoming preparation classes and dates.
Confirmation
At Trinity, confirmation is an invitation to step forward in faith. It is for adults and youth who were baptized earlier in life–whether in the Anglican tradition or another Christian tradition–and who now sense a call to publicly affirm their faith, renew the promises of their baptism, and commit themselves more intentionally to following Jesus within the life of the Church.
During the Confirmation Service, those being confirmed respond together with simple, shared affirmations of faith. The bishop then prays for God to strengthen each person, asking for a renewed and daily increase of the Holy Spirit. This is an opportunity to pray for a deepening of the grace already given in baptism, as God equips believers for a faithful life of following Jesus and serving his kingdom.
Confirmation Sunday occurs once a year. For more information, please reach out to Scott Barber.
Blessing
Many parents of small children who ascribe to credo-baptism want to have their children blessed in anticipation of that child’s future baptism. Therefore, just as Jesus laid his hands on small children to bless and affirm them (Mark 10:16), we bless small children at Trinity.
Child Blessings occur twice a year.
For more information on Baptism, Confirmation, and Blessing, please contact:
Kids and Youth: Dave McCune
Adults: Scott Barber
Sources
[1] To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism. Wheaton, Il.: Crossway, 2020.
[2] Howe, John W., and Samuel C. Pascoe. “Chapter 6/ A Sacramental Church.” Our Anglican Heritage: Can an Ancient Church Be a Church of the Future? Eugene, Or.: Cascade, 2010.
For further study on Baptism and Confirmation, we recommend the following resources:
A Bridge over ‘Troubled Waters’ — Rethinking our Theology of Baptism — Ben Witherington
Believing and Belonging — N.T. Wright
To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism. (pp. 55-59) — ACNA