Baptism
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St. Matthew Lutheran Church believes, teaches, and confesses that Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and Holy Absolution, along with God's Word as it is written, preached, and shared, are "the Means of Grace," because through them, as through earthly elements, the triune God delivers His gifts of forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. These Means of Grace are not simply information presented for our consideration but are God's Word doing what it says and actually giving and delivering to us what it promises. |
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Jesus Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This makes Baptism a Sacrament or a Holy Act of the Church that is administered to all people, young and old. |
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As we consider the Word of God in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Acts 2, and 1 Peter 3, we are excited and honored to offer baptism to anyone who desires it for themselves or their children. Because Baptism is God making people His children, the Church desires to celebrate with that person and their family with the Rite of Holy Baptism taking place during one of our worship services. We understand, however, that this is not always possible, and arrangements can be made to have the Baptism administered at other times. |
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Those requesting for the first time to have their children baptized should meet with the pastor who will be officiating at the Baptism. The work of Holy Baptism is all God’s, therefore in the Lutheran Church we do baptize infants prior to confirmation instruction. However, children starting 6th grade, teenagers, and adults normally complete confirmation instruction prior to being baptized. However, children starting 6th grade, teenagers, and adults normally complete confirmation instruction prior to being baptized. |
