Baptism Policy

Baptism is one of two sacraments celebrated in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the other being the Lord’s Supper. A sacrament is a visual aid which illustrates and confirms the spiritual truths and promises contained in the gospel. Our Church family welcomes those who wish to be baptised because they have come to know Jesus as their Saviour as well as those Christian Parents who seek to have their children baptised. It is appropriate for Christian parents to have their child baptised because of God’s covenant with Abraham. The sign of the covenant was given, not only to Abraham who believed, but also to Abraham’s children. We believe that in the New Testament the promises of the covenant are extended to all true believers and to their children. 

Requirements
The requirements of Our Church fully reflect the guidelines set out by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland:

Adult Baptism

1. The most important issue surrounding the baptism of an individual is the saving faith of that individual. We therefore require the individual seeking baptism to be someone who believes the Gospel and trusts in Christ for his/her salvation.
2. Baptism should only be administered once and so we cannot baptise an adult who has previously been baptised as a child or an adult. Baptism is valid if water is used and the individual is baptised in the name of God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
3. Individuals should be in regular attendance at Lissara and shown a commitment to Christ’s church before any baptism can take place. We expect that baptism will be followed by full communicant membership of this church.
4. In fulfilment of promises made at the baptism we expect baptised individuals to be in regular attendance after the baptism has taken place.
5. We are unable to baptise adults who will not or are unable to be part of our fellowship.

Infant Baptism

1. The most important issue surrounding the baptism of a child is that at least one parent professes faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. We therefore require either the child’s father or mother to be someone who believes the Gospel and trusts in Christ for his/her salvation. As a sign of this saving faith we would strongly encourage the believing parent(s) to become full communicant members of Lissara if this is not the current state of affairs.
2. The father and mother of the child to be baptised must be married. If the couple have not been married in Lissara we may ask for a copy of the marriage certificate.
3. New families should spend at least six months in regular attendance at Lissara before any baptism can take place.
4. In fulfilment of promises made at the baptism of the child we expect families with baptised children to be in regular attendance at Lissara after the baptism has taken place and expect the baptised child to be encouraged to play a full part in the life and witness of Lissara.
5. Baptism of one child does not immediately guarantee baptism of subsequent children.
6. If one or both parents are communicant members of another congregation this membership should be transferred to Lissara before any baptism can be discussed.
7. We are unable to baptise children who will not or are unable to grow up within our church.

This policy was agreed and officially adopted by the Kirk Session of Lissara Presbyterian Church 14/9/21