What actually happens
At an immersion baptism, the person being baptised steps down into a pool of water, often a purpose-built baptistry set into the floor at the front of the church. Some churches use a portable pool, the sea, a river, or even a large tank in the car park on a summer Sunday. The minister asks the candidate to declare their faith in Jesus Christ, then lowers them briefly under the water “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” and raises them up again.
It is usually a joyful, slightly splashy occasion. Family and friends are invited, the candidate often shares a short account of how they came to faith, and there is almost always tea and cake afterwards.
Why immersion?
Churches that baptise by immersion point to two things. First, the word itself: the Greek verb behind “baptise” carries the sense of dipping or plunging. When Jesus was baptised by John in the River Jordan, the Gospels describe him coming up out of the water. Second, the symbolism. In Romans 6, Paul describes baptism as being buried with Christ and raised with him to new life. Going under the water pictures the death and burial of the old self; coming up again pictures resurrection. Immersion acts that drama out with the whole body.
Believer's baptism
Immersion normally goes hand in hand with what is called believer's baptism: the conviction that baptism should follow a personal profession of faith, and so is reserved for those old enough to make that profession for themselves. Baptist churches take their very name from this conviction, and Pentecostal, independent evangelical and many newer church networks share it. In these churches, babies are usually welcomed with a service of thanksgiving or dedication instead, and baptism comes later, when the child has grown up and chosen the faith as their own.
How this differs from christening
In the UK, the most common form of baptism is still infant baptism, usually called christening. It is the normal practice of the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Church of Scotland, the Roman Catholic Church and the Methodist Church. The vicar or priest pours water on the baby's head at the font, and parents and godparents make promises on the child's behalf, promises the child can later confirm for themselves at confirmation.
These churches teach that baptism is first of all God's act of grace and welcome, which does not depend on the age or understanding of the person receiving it. Churches that practise immersion see baptism chiefly as the believer's public response to grace already received. Both traditions baptise with water in the name of the Trinity; the difference lies in who is baptised and when. Our guide to baptism and christening looks at the infant tradition in more detail.
Can adults be immersed in the Church of England?
Yes. Any adult who has never been baptised can ask their parish church for baptism, and a growing number of Anglican churches own or borrow a pool so that adults can be baptised by full immersion if they wish. What the CofE will not do is baptise the same person twice: if you were christened as a baby, an Anglican or Catholic church will regard that baptism as complete and valid, and will offer confirmation or a renewal of baptismal promises instead. Baptist and Pentecostal churches, by contrast, generally do not count infant christening as baptism, so someone christened as a baby who joins such a church may be invited to be baptised as a believer.
Thinking about being baptised?
- Talk to a minister. Whether vicar, pastor or elder, they will be glad you asked and will explain how their church approaches it.
- Take your time. Baptism marks a genuine commitment to follow Christ, and most churches offer a short preparation course first.
- Do not worry about the mechanics. You are only under the water for a moment, and the minister does all the work.
- Invite people. Baptism is a public declaration. Friends and relatives who never normally set foot in a church often come along, and are often quietly moved by it.
If you are looking for a church that baptises by immersion, most Baptist and Pentecostal congregations do, and many evangelical Anglican and independent churches will happily arrange it too.