CHRISTENING AND BAPTISM

Did you know there is no difference between a christening service and a baptism service?

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Some churches will use the word ‘baptism’ and some the word ‘christening’. The moment when your child has water poured or wiped on their head is the actual baptism and is at the heart of the service.

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Babies are baptized during a christening service just as couples are ‘married’ during a ‘wedding’ service.

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In the Beacon Team Mission Community, baptisms take place during our worship services so that we can welcome you into the family of God.

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What is Baptism?

Baptism is a ‘sacrament’: a visible sign of God’s love. In baptism we are thanking God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledging his love. We are acknowledging that we all need to turn away from the darkness of evil and to make a new start with God.

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For your child, baptism marks the start of a journey in faith, which involves turning away from the darkness of self-centredness, turning towards Christ, and becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.

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What happens at a Baptism Service?

When you bring your child for baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly on behalf of your child that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus. You, and the child’s godparents, will be asked to answer on your child’s behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and to turn instead towards Christ. You will promise to pray for your child, to teach him/her about the Christian faith and to join the life and worship of a church.

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Can anyone be a godparent?

Yes, provided they are baptised and can make the promises in the service. (We will give you leaflets for the godparents explaining these promises.)