Baptisms

At The Table we affirm and practice a dual approach to the baptism and blessing of small children.

In keeping with what has been the normative practice of the global and ancient church, we gladly affirm and encourage a form of baptism known as “paedo” or infant baptism. This means that we administer the sacrament of baptism to small children of committed Christian parents. Since the earliest days of our faith, the baptism of small children has been administered in lieu of circumcision as a sign of God’s prevenient and covenantal faithfulness.* Though it is indeed sacramental, baptism is not, according to Scripture, salvific for persons of any age (Romans 10:9-10). 

This means that parents who wish to have their small child baptized are encouraged to exhort that child toward a personal and public profession of faith, and are required to attend our preparation for baptism class. Those who received the sacrament as small children who later desire to make a public profession of faith are also expected to attend the class. 

We also practice what is known as “credo-baptism.” According to this view, once a person of reasonable age makes a profession of faith, he or she then receives theological instruction and is baptized. Parents of small children who ascribe to this approach are often desirous of having their child dedicated/blessed and welcomed into the church in anticipation of that child’s future baptism. Therefore, just as Jesus laid his hands on small children to bless and affirm them (Mark 10:16), we in like manner bless and welcome small children at The Table.

To sum up, we offer baby dedications, infant baptisms, adult baptisms, and affirmations of faith (confirmation) for adults and youth who were baptized as babies.

It is our conviction that this dual approach to baptism is most consistent with our “three streams model” (Scripture, Spirit, Sacred) and gives honor to the diversity of traditions and backgrounds represented within our community. 

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*Howe, John W., and Samuel C. Pascoe. “Chapter 6/ A Sacramental Church.” Our Anglican Heritage: Can an Ancient Church Be a Church of the Future? Eugene, Or.: Cascade, 2010.