Christian Baptism

If you have recently been blessed with the birth of a child then congratulations to you! In the church we rejoice with you at the birth of your child: it is a joy and a privilege, but also a serious responsibility.

If you are considering having your child baptised then you will find some useful information on this page.

In the Church of Scotland we practise 'infant baptism', meaning that we baptise children as well as adults. Some churches only baptise adults at a time when they make a decision to follow Jesus. We baptise children as well because we want to emphasise that God first loves us. When we baptise a child we are asserting the fact that even before we are ever aware of it, God loves us. His grace extends to us all, no matter our age or understanding. The symbol of water sprinkled is a symbol of purification and reminds us of God's love.

When we later come to make a decision to follow Jesus this is usually connected with becoming a member of the church.

Common Questions

Vows Made During Infant Baptism

When you bring your child for baptism the church asks of you two questions, and then a further question of the congregation as a whole.

These questions are:

To the parents or guardians:

• Do you confess your faith in God as your Creator and Father in Jesus Christ as your Lord and in the Holy Spirit as your guide and helper? (I do)
• Do you promise, with God’s help, to teach your child(ren) the truths and duties of the Christian faith and to encourage him/her/them as he/she/they grow(s) in the life and worship of the church? (I do)

These questions and your response are important. For the most part you will be the means by which God's love will be shown to your child and these promises reflect your commitment to do that with God's help. Your child will look to you as an example. Baptism is also a sign of your child's welcome into the church family.

We want to help you as best we can to fulfil the promises you make as parents and so the congregation also make a commitment when they answer the following question during the service:

• Do you, the representatives here of Christ’s church, welcome [child's name] into the family of the church and promise them your friendship, support and prayers? (We do)

Vows Made During Adult Baptism

If you were not baptised as a child then we would be delighted to see you take the step to be baptised as an adult. Sometimes parents do this as they bring their own children to be baptised. An adult baptism is usually immediately followed by the public profession of faith that proceeds a full welcome into the church as one of its members.

Again, there are two questions put to you, the first before the baptism and the second after the baptism.

• Do you, in the presence of this congregation, turn away from sin and ask for God’s forgiveness; seeking a deepening faith in which you will honour God and love other people as yourself? (I do)
• Do you promise, with God’s help, to serve the Lord and to continue to be a part of the family of the Church for the rest of your life? (I do)