As Jewish people came to faith in the New Testament, it was probably very normal for most that baptism had now replaced circumcision as the physical sign of being included in God’s covenant people (Colossians 2:11-12). God’s covenant promise to Abraham and his descendants was still valid. It seemed only natural that this new sign of inclusion- baptism- would be extended to New Testament families coming to faith, just as circumcision had been for Abraham’s family. For this reason we see families like Lydia’s or the Philippian jailer’s all being baptized together (Acts 16:13-15, 32-24). 

Children are important members of our faith community. We honor infant baptism as well as infant dedication. In both we commit to support these children so that they can grow in understanding God’s promises to them and embrace saving faith in Christ. What wonderful opportunities both are to show our trust in the God who initiates, who loves us before we are even aware of that love!

So for the youngest children in our congregation, we offer infant baptism by sprinkling or alternately, dedication to the Lord. For children who want to make a public profession of faith, baptism by immersion or sprinkling is an option. There’s no prescription of how much water needs to be used, just that water is used and that it is done in the name of the Trinity!