"The truth is," Jesus replied, "no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5

Who may be baptized at La Casa de Cristo? What is a baptismal orientation? When can the baptism take place? How can I schedule a baptism? What about asking someone to be a godparent? Is there a fee for baptisms? What else do I need to know?

• Who may be baptized at La Casa de Cristo? Infants of baptized parents who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord may be baptized at La Casa de Cristo. Both parents--father and mother--must first attend a baptismal orientation with one of the pastors. While parents do not need to be members of La Casa de Cristo in order to have a child baptized here, they should be planning to become active members at La Casa or some other Christian congregation. Children of preschool age through eighth grade, not baptized as infants, may also be baptized after their parents attend a baptismal orientation. Older children attend the orientation with their parents. Youth in high school who have made a commitment to Jesus Christ and who subsequently desire to be baptized are required to first meet with the church's Director of Youth Ministry for instruction. Adults, who believe in Jesus as their Savior and desire to be baptized, are asked to complete the new member orientation and then to meet individually with a pastor prior to baptism.

• What is a baptismal orientation? The orientation is a meeting in which the meaning of baptism is set forth and the responsibilities of parents before God are discussed. Both the mother and the father of the child to be baptized are required to attend since they will both be making the same promises to God at their child's baptism. Copies of the service of baptism are distributed and reviewed so that everyone will know "who does what" and "what happens when." Parents also have the opportunity to ask any questions they might have. Orientations are scheduled monthly and last one hour. Childcare is available during the orientation if requested. If the parents are separated or divorced but both parents desire to participate in the baptism, both parents must attend an orientation.