Most people get ordained in the Universal Life Church to officiate a wedding ceremony, but many go on to perform baptisms or serve as the minister at a funeral. A ULC minister can certainly perform a baptism, but understand that some religions only accept baptisms performed by ministers of their faith. Baptism is an important part of most faith communities, and here are some tips about leading this celebration.
The History of Baptisms
The word baptismos is the Latin word from which baptism comes. It means a ritual washing, and although Christianity is where baptisms began, the Jews had a ritual of cleansing their bodies in water before certain ceremonies or after touching a dead person. This ritual is known as a mikvah, and it would restore the purity of a Jew. The baptism of Jesus before he began his formal ministry may have been symbolic of the mikvah, in which Jesus was made pure to honor his mission.
Today, adults or children are baptized, depending on the individual’s beliefs. There are many different types of baptisms. Adults are often immersed in water, while infants just have water sprinkled on their heads. However, there are times when adults cannot be immersed. Affusion, either sprinkling or pouring water on the head, is a perfectly acceptable option.
Performing Baptisms
As the officiate of the baptism, you may need to help locate the facility. Some churches may have a baptistery, which is a pool within the church that can be filled with water for a baptism, and the church may rent it out to another pastor. You may also choose to use a lake or river or another body of water.
It is important to discuss the baptism with the person who is wanting the baptism. In the case of a child, this would be the parents. The basic outline of a ceremony may look something like this:
- Welcome
- Introductions, yourself, the person being baptized, sponsors or godparents, etc.
- An adult can give a testimony, or the godparents might wish to read something in the service for a child
- Prayers said before the baptism to cleanse the individual from his or her past life
- The baptism is performed
- Conclusion
Certainly, you can include other elements, such as music or a sermon, as the ceremony dictates. Some faiths have a liturgy that outlines what is said at each part of the baptism. The ULC offers many resources to assist you in a less formal baptism. You may wish to purchase a baptismal certificate to give after the ceremony as a remembrance.
Tips for a Successful Service
During an immersion ceremony, all participants who go into the water will want to have the appropriate attire. If you are wearing a robe, make sure it is weighted so that it doesn’t float up in the water. You should consider the transparency of the robe when it is wet. A t-shirt and white shorts will ensure that you remain modest. If you are using a lake, each person should have shoes that are appropriate, can get wet, and will protect their feet.
Practice reading the liturgy you choose before the service. Before the baptism, discuss how it will be performed. If you are immersing the candidate, make sure he or she understands that you can’t lift his or her weight out of the water, you are only there to assist. Some people go down on their knees and are immersed forward, instead of leaning back into the water. When the participant is under water, don’t speak.
As a ULC minister, if you are asked to perform a baptism, use the resources available to you. You’re not alone. Ask for more information if you can’t find specifically what you need.