Baptism marks the relationship between individuals, the church universal, and a particular congregation. In Baptism people become members not only of the Church universal but of a particular congregation. Therefore all baptisms are entered into the permanent records of the congregation and certificates are issued at the time of the administration of the sacrament. We understand that the particular congregation is the front line of the church for sacramental practices. Candidates for Holy Baptism, sponsors, and an ordained minister called by the Church gather together with the congregation for the celebration of Baptism within the corporate worship of the Church.
Baptism also welcomes the baptized person to Holy Communion.
Admission to the Sacrament is by invitation of the Lord, presented through the Church to those who are baptized. A Statement on the Practice of Word and Sacrament. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 1997. Statement on Mormon Baptism. An Interpretive Comparison of the Lutheran Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints .