Baptism

Secondary Title

The Presbyterian Understanding of Baptism is one of the two Sacraments celebrated by the Presbyterian Church (Communion is the other). Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the Christian life. The washing with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of a person’s inclusion in the covenant of God’s people and union with the risen Christ. Thus, baptism, whether of an adult or a child, is a response to what God is already doing in that person’s life.


Click HERE to see our baptism policy page

Frequently asked questions

I am an adult and not yet baptized. What must I do to be baptized? 

The first step is to become a member of ORPC by attending a new members class and joining the church.

 

Is it possible to be baptized but not join the church? 

No. As baptism is union with Christ, so it is union with Christ’s body, the church. Baptism is Christ’s gift to those who would be joined to him and promise.

 

I would like to join ORPC, but I was baptized as a Catholic (or Methodist, Lutheran, etc.). Do I need to be baptized again? 

No. The Presbyterian Church has always placed great emphasis on the unity of the Christian church (Ephesians 4:4). We count anyone who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit a baptized Christian, regardless of the tradition within the Christian church that administered the baptism.

 

How can I arrange for my child to be baptized? 

If you are already a member of ORPC, contact the church office to schedule the baptism and a meeting with the pastor. At least one parent must be a baptized Christian and a member of ORPC. In infant baptism, the parent(s) take the vows on behalf of the child and promise to raise their child in the Christian faith ​