Baptism
The Mennonite Church believes in adult baptism rather than infant baptism. We believe that the baptism of believers with water is a sign of their cleansing from sin. It is also a pledge before the church of a person’s covenant with God to walk in the way of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. We believe that Christian baptism is for those who confess their sins, repent, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and commit themselves to follow Jesus in obedience as members of his body. Baptism is for those who are of the age of accountability (old enough to know what they are doing) and who freely request baptism on the basis of their response to Jesus Christ in faith.
Baptism is not an individualistic act. It is not an act simply between God and the individual who is being baptized, rather it is a pledge before the church of one’s covenant with God. Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective has the following statement in its commentary section about baptism: “Baptism should always be done by the church and its representatives, if possible in the presence of the congregation. It should be public because baptism means a commitment to membership and service in a particular congregation.”
Mennonites use all forms of baptism: immersion in a river, lake, pool, or baptistry; sprinkling or pouring from a pitcher or bowl. Generally Mennonites believe the act is more important than the form.
