Baptism
The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism has been an important element of the Christian faith from its beginnings. It was Jesus himself who was baptised to show solidarity with the people who he came to save, as well as giving a direct command to his Disciples and those who came after them to make disciples [Matthew 28.18-20]. Making disciples is further explained as baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and, teaching them everything Jesus commanded. So from its origins, one of the outward marks of a disciple of Christ is the sign of baptism.
Baptism has a twofold function. It is primarily a sign of the salvation that is won through the death and resurrection of Jesus. The Apostle Paul speaks of being baptised into Christ's death and being raised with him to new life [Romans 5]. In this light, Baptism is an outward sign, pointing to what God has done. Baptism is also a pledge of allegiance. The Christian person publicly commits themselves to be a disciple of Christ. In this sense it is a sign for the believer and for the church and for the world.
The Anglican church regards the baptism of children of believing parents as a right and proper thing to do - "The Baptism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in the Church, as most agreeable with the institution of Christ" [Article 27]. This is not saying that the child is saved on the basis of the faith of the parents, but that we as Christian parents trust God's sovereign provision for our families.
Organising a baptism at St Martin's
At St Martin's we will baptise the children of professing Christians. We do not insist that you are regular members of our congregation although obviously this would be a good thing. We are obliged by the law of our Church to liaise with the minister of the Parish where you live if you do not live in Killara or attend regularly.
This first step for organising a baptism at St Martin's is to contact Vicki Blackwell at the Church Office on 9880 2137. She will take all your details and you will be contacted by one of the ministers who will set up a meeting to discuss the Christian faith and the place of baptism with in it, as well as the logistics of the Baptism service.
Baptisms are generally conducted in the 9.45am service, unless there is a very good reason to do it at a different time.
More On Baptism
If you would read further about infant baptism have a look at this paper by Stuart Holman, Minister at Avalon - Infant Baptism.