Perhaps the most obvious difference between Baptists and other denominations is that Baptists reject infant baptism and consider that baptism is for believers only – those who can personally declare Jesus as Lord. Baptists may well give thanks for the child as a baby and ask God to protect and bless them, as the parent/s dedicate themselves before God to bring their child up as a Christian. But that is a promise made by the parents to raise the child as a Christian, rather than any promises made on behalf of the child.
Believer’s baptism is a very special moment on the journey of faith. It is a moment when God’s presence and blessing meets us, and when we make our personal commitment of faith in Jesus as Lord. The baptism is carried out by full immersion.
We have a baptistery located under the ‘staging’ at the front of the church. It is a pool, about 2m by 3m, and during a baptismal service, the minister and the person being baptised enter the water. The minister, holding the person, will lie them back in the water so they are totally immersed, and then bring them back up again. This practice is in line with the New Testament practice of baptism, as carried out by John the Baptist.