Baptism is a gift of God. All four of the gospels tell of Christ's baptism by John in the River Jordan. Baptism means a cleansing from sin, participation in Christ's death and resurrection, a new birth, and an ind welling of the Holy Spirit. These images of baptism are not all uniform or consistent, but together they point to our common affirmations. In this sacrament, the whole Church celebrates the gift of God's love in creation, and the wonder of Christ's gift of salvation.
Christians have different practices of administering baptism.
Many Christians baptize infants who clearly have made no profession of faith. These denominations emphasize the grace of God that comes to us before we can ever respond to or consciously des ire it. Such baptism must be renewed from time to time as we grow older by ceremonies in which we recognize the increased faithfulness which Christians assume as they grow older. For other Christians, baptism comes with a formal declaration of faith after one is old enough to make such a decision. Since the Church is the Body of Christ, it is most appropriate for baptism to be done as part of the regular service of worship.