10^th February 2012

Enquiries about Infant Baptism

Introduction
A helpful place for Ministers of the Word and local Elders to begin is to work through the process of unpacking the biblical principles of Covenant and the inclusion of children in God's promises. This flows from the Reformed tradition and it will provide an important basis when it comes to, administration and praxis. eg.Gen.17:7, Gal. ch.3, Col. 2:11 etc.

The model presented here is a pastoral approach suited to those who have no regular church connection. It seeks to encourage the opportunity an enquiry about baptism provides to share the story behind the meaning of baptism. With love and sensitivity parents can then clearly decide to follow Christ and enter into the meaning of what is taking place. If there are reservations and this step is not appropriate for them at this point in their journey they are encouraged to take a first step and to allow the church to provide a Family Thanksgiving. This requires the local church to offer a suitable, simple Thanksgiving Service that enables the Congregation to join the family in welcoming and giving thanks for the addition to their family.

Receiving the Enquiry.

When it comes to infant baptism all sorts of influences and concepts motivate people. An emotional bonding between parents/grandparents and a child can be so strong that it dictates or overshadows the response of the Church.

Some well meaning people understand the church as an organization that provides social services and ceremonies for "rights of passage". Often built on a range of distorted assumptions parents can approach the church with early, pre-arranged dates and other expectations.

Rather than being obligated to other peoples arrangements by setting immediate dates or on the other hand appearing to be confrontational, the church needs to clearly welcome the initial enquiry while making it clear that negotiation will be necessary and take time.

It is important to begin with the parents by making it clear that the church has a strong interest in the child and the future well-being of the family. This naturally comes with the church being confident about its message and by knowing that the Holy Spirit uses Christian nurture to lead children to faith in Christ and to a positive future. More than promoting a product the Christian community offers a living relationship with a living Lord.

Due to a diverse changing world, today a church can choose to offer two different ways for families to celebrate the birth of a child. This will be new for some so arranging a time to explain both options to the parents will be the first step. Then they will require space to reflect on their future intentions, their interest in knowing and following Christ and in choosing an appropriate ceremony that will be significant for both them and the church.

The normal process of the church protects people from quick responses by requiring all baptisms to be approved by Church Council.

Avoiding cheap Grace and Indiscriminate Administration

*As early as 1979 the Uniting Church approved a statement that explained, "It is only when we are satisfied that children are actually being brought into the community of the church that we dare to baptise them." It is clear that the responsibility to provide instruction and nourishment in the faith belongs to both the parents and the church. Basis of Union Para 7.

* The fourth Assembly of the Uniting Church affirmed that' "Baptism is to be administered to those who confess the Christian faith and where there is a founded hope for the Christian upbringing to infants presented for baptism."

A committee of the Victorian Synod has interpreted "a founded hope" in the following way. "The bottom line which many Ministers have operated on for many years is the expectation that at least one parent presenting their infant for baptism should be, if not a confirmed member, in continuous, regular, relationship as part of the worshipping and fellowship life of the Congregation in which the Sacrament of Baptism is sought to be administered."

*The basis of Union also states, "Normally the Sacrament shall be administered in the presence of the Congregation within whose life the candidates or the parents of the candidates are currently or promise in the future to be involved." Reg1.1.3 (c)

This context and expectation related to baptism needs to be presented in a positive way and as nothing less than an open door that invites the enquiring parents to consider embracing a faith and life that will really benefit their child. It is not a harsh legalism that deprives the family of God's love or grace but an opportunity to discover and enter into an awareness of God's love and grace in a new way.

As a birthday party celebrates the entry of a child into a family so for the church baptism celebrates the entry of a child into the Christian family. However at this stage, as a child is too young to really make this choice, just as the parents are part of a natural family so the Church needs to recognise that both the parent and the child are part of the Christian family.

This is not just a matter of parental supervision, it actually expresses the way God chooses to bless and enrich the life of children. This emphasis is important to avoid implying that some people are not good enough or that in some way they fail to qualify for Baptism.

(eg. This is the appropriate, covenant context for practising baptism of infants)

 

Explaining Two Options

In a diverse world the Church seeks to respect people's choices and so it provides a diverse range of options. Christians need to be ready to give a reason for their hope. (1 Peter 3:15) We do this sensitively, by taking time to simply explain the gospel and by clearly outlining how parents can become part of the Christian family. (or how they can renew their trust in Christ)

The two different options/Services are explained.

(1) Family Thanksgiving

(2) Infant Baptism

and parents are invited to return at a later time after reflecting and choosing the most appropriate option.

As a new option Family Thanksgiving needs to be presented as a serious, honest option rather than an inferior option. It is provided as an open ended, no obligation way for those who are not ready or comfortable with a faith commitment. An honest choice to remain outside the fellowship of the church at this time can be clearly respected but rather than sending people away empty handed, by offering the Thanksgiving option the church continues to invite the family to experience the accepting love and grace of God in a different way. The Service itself can welcome the family, guests and offer prayers and gifts in much the same way that a Service of Baptism does. It presents the church with the opportunity to be truly inclusive by enthusiastically embracing the enquiring family as well as celebrating the gift and sanctity of human life.

Where parents embrace Christ it will mean that a period of introduction and orientation into the life of the congregation may be the best way to proceed before conducting the Service of Baptism. In this way the parent's public responses to questions during the Service will be appropriate and full of meaning.

Rev EA (Ted) Curnow. December 2011

Download the visual aid grid for parents that compares both options.