Baptism

Baptism is a personal step of saying yes to Jesus and joining the life of the church.

At Saint Philips Chapel Street we baptise both adults and children.

Baptism is a direct response to the invitation of Jesus. It is an act of obedience to his teaching (Matthew 28:18-20) and a public way of saying, "I am following Jesus." Just as Jesus was baptised to show his commitment to living for God, we follow his example to show that we want to live our lives for God’s purposes, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Baptism is a physical action - getting wet or being "drenched" - that carries profound spiritual meanings:

• A Fresh Start: It signifies "repentance," which means admitting we aren't perfect, turning away from our old mistakes, and being washed clean.

• A New Creation: Being lowered under the water and brought back up symbolises burying our old way of life and rising to a new life, just as Jesus rose at Easter.

• Joining a Family: It is the "welcome sign" into God’s family, the Church. It shows that you are committed to loving, sharing, and serving alongside other believers.

We offer baptism for people at any stage of their journey:

• Infants: Parents can choose to have their babies baptised as a sign that they intend to raise them to follow Jesus, supported by godparents who help the child grow in faith.

• Believers: Anyone old enough to make their own decisions can request "Believer’s Baptism." This is for those who can personally declare, "I have decided to follow Jesus," often supported by a sponsor or godparent.

Baptism isn't the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of an active life of faith. After being baptised, you are encouraged to:

• Grow in Faith: Engage with your godparents or sponsors to learn more about Jesus.

• Live as a New Creation: Seek to be "flooded" by the Holy Spirit every day to help you choose right over wrong.

• Serve the Family: Become an active part of the Church, learning to love others unconditionally and serving the community of Greater Manchester and beyond.