Let's Talk about BAPTISM

Baptism is a tricky subject for Christians - even those who agree on most foundational Christian claims have deep disagreements about baptism. to help explain our own conclusions, we’ve brainstormed baptism questions and offered our answers below: just click the question and you’ll see our answer. Even though we favor a specific “side” to this issue, we believe it is more important for Christians to unify even when there are “second-tier” theological disagreements - like when and how to do baptism (See Romans 14)! Each question links to the answer.

  1. Who cares about Baptism? Why should this matter to ordinary believers? 

  2. The two positions we’re evaluating here are the “baptistic” view and the “covenantal” view. What are they? 

  3. What are the biblical arguments for the two major views on baptism? 

  4. Which baptismal position does LCC subscribe to? Why? 

  5. How do converts (older kids or adults) fit into this discussion on Baptism? What does the “covenantal” view say to these individuals? 

  6. What are the weaknesses or risks of the covenantal view of baptism? 

  7. What’s the alternative to infant baptism for believing parents? 

  8. Do babies need to be baptized to be saved? 

  9. If I baptize my young child, what happens when they make the decision for themselves about following Christ? Isn’t it unfair? 

  10. I’m convinced about covenantal baptism, but my kid is old enough to understand some of these concepts… how do I approach this issue? 

  11. Does it matter who “officiates” the baptism? Does it have to be a pastor?

  12. Is there a difference between getting “dunked” or “sprinkled? (aka, does “mode” matter?)

  13. What about re-baptism? Can/should someone get baptized again if they’ve come back to faith after being away? 

  14. If I can’t be re-baptized, what can I do to mark my return to faith? 

  15. If my child is baptized very young, is there something we can do later to celebrate their commitment to Christ? 

  16. Is it a problem if I’ve been baptized multiple times? 

  17. Do I need to belong to the church before being baptized?

  18. Can I be baptized anywhere, or does it have to be at church?

  19. I’m a parent and would like to perform the baptism for my child. Is that allowed? 

  20. Can I still be a Christian if I don’t want to be baptized? 

  21. Do I have to be baptized to receive communion? 

  22. Do I have to be baptized before I can become a member of LCC?

  23. What should happen after baptism? What’s expected of parents? The baptized individual? 

  24. I have more questions about baptism. What should I do? 

More questions? Leave them in the comments, and we’ll attempt to answer every one!