Introduction
When the Christian church first began, on the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter proclaimed the good news of God and called his hearers to repent and be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2 v 38-42)
Jesus himself, along with many others, was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. (Matthew 3 v 1-12)
Following in that tradition, Baptist churches baptise those whom Jesus Christ has led to repentance and faith in him.

Who can be baptised?

• Adults or young people old enough to have made their own Christian commitment. (This distinguishes the Baptist church from some other denominations which practice infant baptism and adult confirmation).
• Baptism is often for people at the start of their Christian life, but God may call anyone, even long-standing church-goers, to take this step of faith and obedience. Sincerity of faith is more important than age
• It is possible to baptise someone who was christened as a child, following discussion with the minister

• Baptism usually takes place during a morning service, with the whole church gathered to witness it, along with family and friends of those to be baptised.
• The baptistery at Robert Hall is situated under the communion table, and is filled with (warm!) water.
• During the service, the minister explains the meaning of baptism and the candidate has the chance to say why they have decided to be baptised. This might be in the form of a spoken testimony or through the words of a hymn or song.
• The minister asks questions about the candidate's faith, and in response to these, invites him/her to be baptised.
• Baptism is normally by 'full immersion' which means that the minister and the candidate both stand in the water.
• The minister lowers the person into the water so that he/she is fully immersed for a second or two, and says the words: I baptise you in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• A friend usually assists with towels etc. immediately after the baptism, and a room is set aside for the candidate to change afterwards.

• In baptism, believers take their stand in union with Jesus Christ and declare their faith in his death and resurrection.
• Baptism is a public confession of faith in Christ and is an act of obedience to God, and the means of entry into his Church.

• Being 'washed' free of sin to begin a new life in the power and joy of the Spirit.
• 'dying' to self and beginning to live for Christ
• Baptism is our response to all that God has done for us in Christ, and a celebration of all that he gives of himself by his Holy Spirit.