1. Leading Worship Baptism
Local Pastor’s School
Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
Leading Worship Baptism
Rev. Sarah Mount Elewononi
11/8/2018

2. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
The Sacraments
One of the main reasons Local Pastor’s need to have a licence – we are saying that you are able to lead the congregation rightly in observing the sacraments.
God is the primary actor
“An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace (of God).”
Both rites are grounded in Salvation History – preparation for them is learning about that salvation history and starting to see onself as written into this story. Philip and the Eunich – Walk to Emmaus.
Sacrament – vs. ordinance
Power of priest and no understanding of people -> magic - > Clericalism
Taking place within a congregation – the Body of Christ
Ethical formation – Baptism -> Personal
Communion -> Social
11/8/2018

3. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
The Rite
Baptism and Confirmation Adult vs Infant
What’s at stake – profession of faith, God’s prevenient grace – duty to lead baptized children to Christ
Aim for authenticity, no empty promises, people who really mean it
No rebaptisms, no dedications, not magical, no purgatory for unbaptized children
Role of Parents/Grandparents and Sponsors
Christian formation before and afterward
BOW p. 86
Covenant with whole congregation – no private baptisms
Weddings and Funerals are theologically based on the sacrament of baptism. Our primary relationship is now to Christ.
Weddings - Some of us are called to a special covenant of marriage within the baptismal covenant.
Funerals - All of those who have died in Christ have hope in eternal life.
Baptismal Theology
11/8/2018

4. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
Preparation
Pre-baptismal meeting
Discuss parents’ and sponsor’s involvement with the church, baptisms, confirmations etc. Ideally at least one parent is already active in the congregation – encourage participation in worship for a few weeks before baptism.
Collect information for certificate and church records
Importance of record keeping – use official UM system – give certificates to parent and keep copies
Full name, birthday, place of birth, date of baptism, address, names of parents and sponsors, sign as clergy – even for adults.
Confirmation – i.e. Profession of Faith
Classes – goal to help youth be able to authentically “claim the name” of Christian. Sponsors within the church relationship building.
New Members
Profession of faith – ideally after similar faith formation as Confirmation.
Transfer from other denomination – also some teaching.
Transfer from other UMC – learn about local congregation, ministries
Associate – membership in another UMC
Affiliate – membership in another denomination
Reaffirmation of Faith
The only thing a UMC pastor may offer a backslider who has been “reclaimed” and wants some ritual way to mark this life event.
11/8/2018

5. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
Roll Play
Role Play the meetings before baptism/membership with Covenant II
and with Backslider Betty/Bob with Covenant IV
11/8/2018

6. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
Circles of Membership
11/8/2018

7. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
The Ceremony
Times for Baptism
Easter, Baptism of Jesus, Pentecost three best days of the year
Within worship - Baptism as response to the Word and covenant with the congregation as representing the Body of Christ.
Invite Lay Leaders to assist
During the ritual
Let the water splash
Holding a baby and a book
Candidate’s first and middle name (no last name) – all becoming part of same family.
Make a big deal of it
theme of worship
carry baby through congregation
new brother/sister
sing special songs
Send Baptism cards
Publish baptism days in bulletin/newsletter
11/8/2018

8. Local Pastor’s School Worship - Sarah Mount, teacher
5/16/2007
Roll Play
Roll Play the Ritual of Covenant I as it would be done in worship
11/8/2018