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Baptism

Baptism is a special gift from God. Through baptism, God gives us Faith, Grace and Blessing.
A pastor lights a baptism candle.
Someone is pouring water in to the baptism bowl.
A pastor stands next to a woman holding a baby.
A baby on a woman's shoulder looks straight in to the camera.

What is baptism?

Baptism is a special gift from God. Through baptism, God gives us:

  • Faith

  • Grace

  • Blessing

God knows us by name and welcomes us into His family.

Jesus said:

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)

Baptism is the most important ceremony in the Church. It is how a person becomes a Christian. Baptism is done only once in life – and it is always valid, even if your faith feels weak later.

A priest is blessing a baby.

How is a baptism performed?

A baptism can happen
  • At the local church
  • At home, with a pastor present
What happens
  1. The pastor says the child’s or adult’s name.
  2. The pastor pours water three times on the head.
  3. The pastor says: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
  4. Parents and godparents bless the person by placing hands on their head.
  5. The pastor says a final blessing: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all evermore.”
After baptism, the child or adult continues to grow in faith

This is supported by:

  • Parents
  • Godparents
  • The local parish
Families are encouraged to
  • Teach the child to pray
  • Bring them to church
  • Help them learn about God’s love and forgiveness
The parish offers
  • Sunday school
  • Family clubs
  • Youth activities
  • Confirmation preparation

Adult baptism

Adults who have never been baptised can be baptised after some preparation. The baptism usually happens during a church service.

The adult wears a white robe called an alb. They say the Christian Creed with the congregation. The pastor baptises them in the same way as children, using water and words.

An adult being baptised should have two godparents or sponsors, who are confirmed members of the Lutheran Church or a similar church. In some cases, one is enough – ask your vicar for advice.

Godparents promise to support the person in their spiritual life.

Two silver crosses around a persons neck.

Godparents

Who can be a godparent?

A godparent must:

If you have trouble finding godparents, ask your parish for help.

A child or adult usually has two godparents, but more are welcome. People who do not belong to a Christian church cannot be godparents.

In special cases, it is possible to have only one godparent, with the vicar’s permission.

Godparent responsibilities

Godparents:

  • Witness the baptism
  • Are special adults in the child’s life
  • Help the child grow in faith
  • Can go to church or Sunday school with the child
  • Pray for their godchild

Being a godparent is a great honour and responsibility.

Important information

Before the baptism, the parish needs:

  • The names and personal identity numbers of the godparents

  • If the godparents live abroad: their name, date of birth, religion, home parish, city and country

Please collect this information before contacting the pastor.

People at a baptism.