Wesley Uniting Church, Melbourne

Baptism at Wesley

The Meaning of Baptism in the Uniting Church in Australia

"Baptism is the visible act which declares that God loves and accepts us as sons and daughters in his family... Through this act, Jesus Christ affirms our place within his church (1)". Within the Uniting Church, the act of baptism, whether of an adult or a child, symbolises the entry of that person into a community of Christian faith. The baptism of a child is usually undertaken by parents to symbolise their willingness to lead the child in a christian life, to teach the child the way of Christ, and to live within the christian community of faith.

In the service of the sacrament of baptism, the Minister marks the sign of the cross in water on the forehead. Water symbolises the washing away of sin, and of the ongoing forgiveness of sin which is offered by God, who "continues to forgive us and renew us as we turn to him (2)". At this time the Minster will also use the words "in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit". The Christian relationship to God the Father is as a child to a parent - through Him the newly baptised receive the gift of new life, grace and ongoing forgiveness. Baptism in the name of God the Son is a symbol and reminder of Jesus Christ's own baptism by John and "affirms our place within the church which is his body and of which he is the head (3)". This also means that through Christ, Christians may come to new life, just as Christ did at the resurrection. God the Holy Spirit is the same God that came to the disciples on the day of Pentecost, and that emboldened them to go out and spread the good news of Christ in the community. Those who have been baptised are similarly emboldened to go out and share this good news, to work daily in faith and in knowing that the strength of Christ is available to all those who are members of the Christian community of faith.

Baptism is therefore also significant for the congregation into which the individual is baptised. It is for this reason that we do not hold private baptisms at Wesley Church - baptisms are a time for the entire congregation to reflect on the meaning of baptism, their relationship to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to reaffirm their faith in that relationship. It is for this same reason that baptisms are performed only by the Minster of the congregation at Wesley, as he is the leader of this particular community of faith. Baptism is a time of joy and sharing for the whole congregation at Wesley.

Bringing a Child for Baptism

If you are considering baptism for your child, you need to contact the Church Office and arrange a meeting with the Minister. You will also be asked to come to Church on a particular Sunday to meet the Congregation, and to discuss baptism with a member of the Church Council. The Uniting Church requires that all requests for baptism need the approval of the Church Council.

What follows is a brief description of what happens on the day of the baptism.

It is wise for the family to arrive at least 20 minutes before the service (Morning worship commences at 11.00 a.m.). On arrival, the family will be greeted at the door by the stewards who hand out hymn books, Uniting in Worship, and the Order of Service. Uniting in Worship contains the order of the service of baptism; the Order of Service is a guide to the readings, hymns and prayers which make up the worship service. Baptism usually takes place early in the service.

Before the sermon commences, the family are introduced to the Baptism Assistant, who escort the family to the front pews. This person is available to answer any questions the family may have during the service. Photographs may be take during the service, although photographers are requested to maintain a discreet distance from proceedings.

At the time of the baptism, the family are escorted to the sanctuary of the Church by the Baptism Assistant, where they stand facing the congregation. In meetings held before the baptism, the Minister will provide parents and godparents with a booklet as a guide to each section of the baptism, and to the meaning of the responses. When the congregation sings the Aaronic Blessing, the Baptism Assistant carries the child down the aisle to meet the congregation - this is an important part of welcoming the child into the community of faith. At the end of the baptism, parents recieve a Baptism Certificate and a lighted candle which will be left to burn on the main altar until the end of the service.

After the benediction, the Baptism Assistant will collect the candle, and escort the parents and the child down the aisle with the Minister. The family are encouraged to stay and join the congregation in fellowship at morning tea after the service.

Baptism of an Adult

The order of service for the baptism of an adult is similar to that of a child. The Minster will spend time with the individual before the baptism, discussing the meaning of the sacrament. Adult baptism includes confirmation (laying-on of hands with prayer invoking the Holy Spirit). The person affirms their faith in Christ, and commits themselves to a life lived in the teachings and community of Christ.

Baptism happens once. The Church will not consider a second baptism for someone who has been baptised as a child. Instead it will offer ways for the person to rejoice that they have been baptised, and to reaffirm to promisses made on their behalf at their baptism.

Further Information

More information on baptism at Wesley can be obtained from the Minister. Baptisms can be booked through the Minster's secretary, who can be contacted during office hours, Wednesday to Friday on (03) 9663 2935 or by email

---