Baptism is God’s gift to the us that makes us members of the body of Christ. It is a “sacrament,” an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. The outward sign of water—in which we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—incorporates us into God’s mighty acts of salvation. We receive grace to be forgiven of our sins, to be united to Jesus’s death and resurrection, and to be given new life in the Spirit.
Following the practice of the church across the ages, we believe that God’s gift of baptism is availabe to people of all ages. Those who are able to answer for themselves are asked to repent of their sin, renounce evil, and confess Christ as their Savior. They are also asked to affirm their faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the words of the Apostles’ Creed. For those unable to answer for themselves, parents or other sponsors make these promises on their behalf so that when the person is able they can profess faith for themselves.
We believe that the God’s gift of baptism is to the universal church. For that reason we accept baptisms in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that were received in other churches. And because baptism is God’s promises to us in baptism are completely trustworthy, we do not baptize people for a second time. Those who have returned to faith in Christ are invited to profess their faith again by remembering their baptism and renewing their baptismal vows.
Baptism makes us members together of the body of Christ. Our local church is an expression of the body of Christ across the world and across the ages.
Those who wish to commit themselves to being disciples of Jesus at Fulton UMC are invited to become professing members. Professing members of the church are called to reaffirm their promises in baptism and to support the church through their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Preparation to be baptized, to have your child baptized, or to become a professing member involves conversation with the pastor to help you understand the meaning of baptism and the basics of our faith. We also offer occasional group classes for new members.
Children who were baptized before they were able to speak for themselves participate in confirmation when they are ready to profess their own faith. In confirmation they testify to their own faith and receive the laying on of hands with prayers that the Holy Spirit would work within them so that they would be faithful disciples of Jesus. The pastor leads a class to prepare those seeking confirmation. Our next class will run through the 2025-26 school year.
Are you seeking baptism for yourself or your child? Or do you want to become a member of Fulton UMC? Let us know! Contact us here to schedule a conversation with the pastor about baptism or membership in the church.