Is There a Better Way to Baptise Someone? (Article)

Once someone has admitted their wrongs and wants to turn their life around with Jesus as their Lord and Saviour it is time to discuss their baptism. Once you have discussed the process and you are sure that they both understand it and agree to participating in the process it is time to practice it.

A ‘dry baptism’ is where you go through the ceremony on dry land (maybe your lounge room or a park) which includes the actions of getting wet. Most of us favour a different method to the old church traditional one of laying them down backwards. We get them to stand up straight and bob down by bending their knees until they are completely under water. Then when you see they are fully submerged (or pretend on dry land) tap them lightly on the top of their head so they know that they have gone down far enough and can now stand back up. This is great for several reasons. First is confidence. They are completely in control. Second is safety. Sometimes people can get hurt or dropped going over backwards. Third is size. Anyone can baptise anyone regardless of size, age or fitness. Lastly it is easy to model and practice on dry land.

If you don’t have deep enough water in your area to stand up and duck down, then you can get them to knee down and let themselves go down forward on their hands until they are covered.

Remember – If you have not seen them actually do it, assume that they can’t! Practice, Practice, Practice until you are happy that they are happy to do it.

As a guide to talking about baptism most people use our notes on the back of our bookmarks but Dave and Susie K and those that they disciple use a comprehensive baptism booklet to great effect.

They have designed a booklet over the years that takes you by the hand and leads you comprehensively through the topic of Baptism. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes to go through with the person.

Remember to rehearse a “dry baptism” with them to boost their confidence and then get them to “dry baptise you as well. It reinforces the process but more than that you have just taught them how to baptise someone else that they lead to the Lord.

Thanks Dave and Susie K