To ensure that the ritual isn t just an excuse for a family party, or used superstitiously as a way to ward off evil spirits, some order is necessary. The best current practice sees baptism as gift offered to a community that may be largely unaware of its purpose or importance. Face it, the young families knocking on our doors are earnest and obviously committed to their children s well-being, but often theologically and biblically illiterate. Their questions may sound simplistic or even insulting to our holy sensitivities. But if we allow ourselves to be affronted, we miss a great opportunity.
Research indicates that baptism is one of the key times for discipleship training.
More effort, not less, needs to be invested in its performance. In that light, a flat refusal looks like a smokescreen for spiritual snobbishness or clerical laziness. There are a number of possible approaches. Some congregations ask participants to attend Sunday worship before presenting a child for baptism. This way they know what is expected of them, and whether this is the church they want to attend.