Is there a difference between getting “dunked” or “sprinkled" for baptism? (aka, does “mode” matter?)

A common (though second-tier)  argument about baptism regards how it should be done. Some argue that the Greek verb baptizo means “dunk” or “immerse” and therefore it’s not a true baptism if dunking doesn’t happen. 

But the word baptizo (and the noun, baptismos) is used for more than just “immersion.” In can describe washing, pouring, and partial dunking. Believers should not limit themselves to contexts where dunking is possible.

Practically speaking, a body or container of water big enough to immerse someone is simply not always available. This should not stop a church from baptizing - whether it’s a drip of water or the Pacific Ocean, the sacrament is legit if done by the People of God in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

At LCC, we ordinarily use a bowl and baptize by placing water on the head. However, by request (until we have the facilities to make it the norm), we are happy to facilitate full immersion. Washing, pouring, dunking… it’s all baptizo!