Baptism

RESOURCES

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”    Matthew 28:19 (ESV)

What is Baptism?

A core belief of Church at Hampton Roads is Baptism.  This is an exciting time and a natural next step of obedience in the life of a follower of Jesus. It is an outward sign of the inward work of salvation along with being a public declaration of our love for Jesus Christ. By participating in baptism, people are publicly declaring the decision they have made to be a follower of Jesus.

Below you will find the resources necessary to help your campus conduct a successful Baptism.

FOR BABY/CHILD DEDICATIONS

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Baptism Handout

The Baptism handout is a document that the Pastor or appointed team member goes over with the individual(s) being baptized, prior to the baptism.  This is to ensure there is a solid foundation of the what and the why as taught in Foundations Class - Week Three (3).  To download the handout - click here

Baptism Email Template

Use this email template to send information to those  who have decided to get Baptized. To use this template, do the following:
  • Download the Template on a PC - click here
  • Open the Word document and press ctrl + a to "select all"
  • Open your CHR email to a New Message
  • In the body of the message press ctrl + v to "paste" the template
  • Now edit the appropriate information see in the [brackets] and send it to the individual

Tips

Use the following tips as a guideline:
EMCEE
  • EMCEE will explain what Baptism is and why we celebrate this as a community
  • EMCEE will allow the person being baptized about 30 seconds to speak about why they are being baptized if they desire.  Ask them if they would like to say something.  Manage the microphone by using words like "[Person] in 30 seconds, tell us why today is so special to you?"
  • EMCEE should not be overly verbose.  This is not a time for a message but a time for people to celebrate their declaration with family and friends.  Should a specific word from the Holy Spirit come upon you, be obedient to what He is saying.
  • EMCEE should be familiar with the EMCEE guide located here

Assistants
  • Assistants are to ensure that there is extra clothing and towels made available for those that need it.  Have eyes on these items so there is order and direction
  • Assistants, instruct people to cross their arms and with one hand cover their nose.  Do not assume  people to do this inherently. It is always better to teach and communicate.
  • Assistants, help people in and out of the baptismal pool and ensure that a towel is available immediately upon exit.

General
  • Encourage the entire church to participate, including Dream Team Members.  This is one of the moments that should be celebrated as an entire church family.

Checklist

Ensure that the following is available or completed:
  • Contact has been made with each individual participating in baptism informing them of details (see the email template)
  • Extra clothing and towels are made available for anyone who may spontaneously decide to get baptized
  • Baptism T-Shirts are available for those who are being baptized with some extra on hand for any spontaneous baptisms
  • The baptismal pool has been cleaned, sanitized, and set up in advance of the baptism
  • Team members have been scheduled to assist with the baptism.  Typically three (3) team members are needed.  One to EMCEE and two for assisting people in and out of the baptismal pool and performing the baptisms.