Baptisms at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church

"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.  If one parent no longer has an active role in the child's life, then only the custodial parent need attend.

• When can the baptism take place?

Baptisms for infants and young children are scheduled monthly from September through May at a special Sunday service at noon and during the regular Sunday worship services in the summer.  Older children and adults are baptized during the regular Saturday evening service. Because they are not in keeping with the biblical understanding of baptism, private baptisms are not an option. 

The number of baptisms is limited at each service so it is necessary to schedule baptisms in advance.   Remember that both parents must attend an orientation before their child's baptism.

• How can I schedule a baptism?

Call the church office (480.948.1234) for dates of the coming orientations and the available dates for services of baptism.  A family can select a tentative baptismal date before attending an orientation.  In fact, some parents attend an orientation and choose a baptism date before the baby is born!   

Please do not make travel arrangements for relatives and friends planning to come to Arizona for the baptism until after the date for the baptism has been definitely established and approved by one of the pastors, and until both parents are able to attend an orientation!

• What about asking someone to be a godparent?

Godparents, or baptismal sponsors, may be adult family members or friends. At the service of baptism, the sponsors will make the same statement of faith and the same promises the parents make.  It is necessary, therefore, for each sponsor to be a baptized Christian.  Sponsors should also be active members of a Christian church.

While sponsors are not required, most parents choose two for their child.  It is a privilege to be a sponsor, but it is also a responsibility.  Parents should, therefore, ask the sponsors beforehand if they would serve in this way.

On rare occasions, adult candidates for baptism also choose to have sponsors.  These sponsors are usually persons who will continue to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Is there a fee for baptisms?

Baptism is a gift of God in which He brings us into a relationship with Himself and makes us a part of His family.  In the Lutheran Church, baptism is a sacrament--a special event in which the Lord is acting on our behalf.  We are recipients.  Therefore, there is no fee for baptisms nor do the pastors expect a gift.  Occasionally, in gratitude to God and in honor of their child, parents make an offering to the church.  Parents often request that a book be placed in the church library in honor of their child's baptism.  In those cases, there is a $15 charge for the purchase of the book.  

• What else do I need to know?

Most other questions will be covered at the orientation.  In the meantime, make it your daily practice to pray for your child and to ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be the parent He wants you to be.  Arranging for a child's baptism (and entry into the family of God) is also a good time to recommit your own life to the Lord and to decide that your life and worship will reflect that commitment from now on. 

Your life will be the model your child follows!