How Do You Get Baptized as a Christian? With Expert Advice

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Plus, what getting baptized symbolizes in the Bible
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Getting baptized is a religious rite that symbolizes death, resurrection, and the washing away of sins. It’s also a way to become an official member of a particular Christian church or denomination. People are traditionally baptized as babies , but you can always get baptized as an adult , as long as you prepare yourself mentally for what getting baptized symbolizes. Read on for our clear and comprehensive guide on how to get baptized, plus get answers to your baptism-related questions from Catholic Priest Fr. Scott Bailey and Holy Bible expert Olivia Woodford.

How to Be Baptized

  1. Choose the denomination you want to join & talk to a priest or clergy member.
  2. Learn about the church’s required meetings and/or training.
  3. For a baby, choose godparents and try to have 1 or both in attendance.
  4. Plan the baptism ceremony according to the church’s schedule.
  5. During the baptism, wear clothing that can get wet (adult).
  6. Declare your faith before or after the baptism (the priest will guide you).
Section 1 of 3:

How to Get Baptized as an Adult

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  1. If you are interested in joining a particular Christian denomination or church parish, start by speaking with an ordinary minister of Holy Communion. Ordinary ministers are pastors, preachers, bishops, priests, and sometimes deacons who have the authority to perform the sacrament of baptism. Priests have the power to baptize others without consulting with a bishop, although they may delegate the job to a deacon. [1]
    • Technically, those who are not official church leaders can perform a Catholic baptism. However, this is usually only done in extreme cases, i.e., when someone is on their deathbed, and fervently wishes to become baptized to receive salvation. [2]
    • It’s not permitted for anyone to baptize themselves .
    • In the Catholic Church, the baptism preparation process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). It includes a series of classes, liturgical rites, and spiritual reflection to guide adults about entering the Catholic faith before baptism. [3]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Fr. Scott Bailey is a Catholic priest currently serving as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. He also appears on Risen Christ’s YouTube channel, where he explains aspects of Catholicism.

    Olivia Woodford is a Holy Bible expert and the founder of Bible Women Speak, where she has been teaching biblical stories of women through theater since 1992.

  2. Most churches require any adult getting baptized to enter into a preparation process beforehand. The process might include attending a set number of church services, having one-on-one meetings with clergy members, or attending Sunday school or additional training. [4]
    • During the preparation process, a priest or member of the clergy may ask you why you want to be baptized as an adult. Whether you want to affirm your faith, be baptized again, or switch denominations, discussing your reasoning will help you get a clearer idea of your religious and spiritual goals.
    • Remember that you are doing this for you. An adult baptism can deepen your relationship with God, and it can act as a cornerstone of your faith. If it feels like the right choice to make, do it.
    • If you were already baptized in another Christian denomination, you may not need to get baptized again. Fr. Bailey confirms that the Catholic Church doesn’t require baptism for those who have “already been baptized in another Christian faith. They would receive confirmation and Holy Communion instead." [5]
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  3. The church will likely set a date that works for the church officiant’s schedule, so you can invite friends and family. Catholic churches often hold public baptisms around the Easter holiday, while others allow you to take part in a private baptism ceremony as an adult. Decide whether you want a big, fancy event or an intimate affair. Most adults hold their baptism ceremony at their local church. [6]
    • Baptism is a big step—you might want to stage a big event to share the experience with friends and loved ones. On the other hand, remember that this moment is not necessarily about your friends and family. It is an act of commitment to yourself and Christ.
    • Consider supplying food to create a reception-like time of fellowship. Hire a catering company and budget how much you will spend on food. Alternatively, ask a friend or family member to help with the refreshments.
    • The Catholic Church tradition (and some Orthodox traditions) allows those being baptized to choose a baptismal name before the event. The name is often a saint’s name, which can inspire faith and act as a spiritual role model.
  4. When people are baptized as babies, they have holy water sprinkled over them. As a child, teenager, or adult, you might kneel, sit, or have your head immersed in holy water. Specific rites vary depending on which church denomination is baptizing you.
    • Typical symbols present during a baptism are a white garment to symbolize purity and a candle to signify Christ’s light.
    • Some denominations also anoint the person being baptised with oil (called a chrism) to represent the Holy Spirit.
    EXPERT TIP

    Fr. Scott Bailey

    Catholic Priest
    Father Scott Bailey is a Catholic Priest based in Denver, Colorado. He currently serves as a Pastor at Risen Christ Catholic Parish in Denver. Father Scott is the face of Risen Christ’s YouTube channel, where he creates a variety of engaging content explaining aspects of Catholicism. He is known for his brief but meaningful sermons, and for making Catholic teaching and spirituality accessible to all. He has a Masters of Divinity from St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, an S.T.B. from the Lateran University, and a BA in philosophy from Regis University. 
    Fr. Scott Bailey
    Catholic Priest

    Contact your Catholic church for details on how to be baptised as an adult. The initiation itself usually takes place at the Easter Vigil—the night before Easter—where people are baptized (if they haven’t been before), confirmed, and receive Holy Communion.

  5. 5
    Listen to the priest or clergy member read from the Scripture. The officiant traditionally reads elements of scripture from the Bible that focus on the spiritual meaning or act of baptism. Excerpts from the following verses are often read during a baptism:
    • Matthew 3:13 17
    • John 1:29 33
    • Luke 3:21 22
    • Mark 1:9 11
  6. 6
    Take part in a group prayer led by the officiant. After the biblical verses about baptism are read out loud by the clergy member, the officiant leads the group in a prayer; this prayer is often called the invocation. During the invocation, the officiant asks God to be present with the baptism initiate, along with the people attending.
    • Some denominations use liturgies (specific prayers) or their own words for this group prayer.
  7. You may be asked to answer a series of questions about renouncing evil or whether you accept Jesus Christ as your savior. Or, you may simply repeat a declaration of faith that includes an acknowledgment of sin. Once you do this, the officiant will either complete the baptism by sprinkling or pouring holy water onto you, or immersing your head briefly.
    • The officiant will bless you when applying the holy water using the Trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost." Once you have been immersed and blessed, you have been officially baptized as a Christian. [7]
    • In the Bible, water baptism was always done by full immersion. The word baptize literally means to dip, immerse, or submerge. [8]
    • The officiant ends by saying a final prayer thanking God for forgiving the initiate’s sins. They’ll then introduce the newly baptized person and welcome them as an official member of the church.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Baptize a Baby

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  1. It’s necessary to consult with the same types of clergy who have the authority to perform a baptism for an adult. If you’re not already registered with the parish or church itself, you’ll need to get registered before you can have your child baptised in that parish or church. [9]
    • Woodford recognizes that "a lot of people get baptized when they're a few months old as part of a family tradition." [10] Consider how important this tradition is to yourself and your spouse or partner when planning a baptism for your baby.
    • Baptism vs. Christening : A baptism of a baby is often called a christening. A christening is a type of baptism aimed at a baby, while baptism in general can occur for a baby or an adult.
    • There are no age restrictions for baptism. In Christianity, any human being who has not yet been baptized can receive the sacrament of baptism.
  2. Pick two people that you think would make great godparents. If you are a child or a teenager, then you may really want to consider designating godparents. If you are an adult, then this step is optional. Ask family members or close friends, as long as they are people you trust.
    • In the Catholic (and some Orthodox) traditions, parents can also choose a baptismal name for their baby that reflects the child’s new identity within the Church.
  3. Most people hold their baby’s baptism ceremony at their local church, but it’s possible to hold a baptism elsewhere, depending on the requirements of that church. When the day arrives, the priest, minister, or deacon will administer the ceremony for the baby at church. [11]
    • If holding the baptism at a church, you can plan a party afterwards in your home, outdoors, or at an event space, depending on how many people are attending. It’s also a good idea to consider catering the after-baptism event if you have a large guest list.
    • Both godparents should be present at the baptism ceremony, if possible. It’s strongly suggested that at least one godparent is at the ceremony.
  4. When people are baptized as babies, they often have holy water sprinkled over them. They’ll likely use the same Trinitarian formulae as they would for an adult’s baptism: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Once the child has been blessed and sprinkled with holy water, the baptism is complete. [12]
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Mentally Prepare for Baptism

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  1. According to the Bible, you must confess your sins before you can be officially baptized. Speak to a priest or another Christian minister. [13]
    • Some people believe that baptism is not required for salvation. However, in the Bible, Jesus states that "he who believes and is baptized will be saved."
  2. Many believe that it is not enough to merely confess your sins—it’s required to truly repent for what you have done. If you aren't sure how to make the step from confession to repentance, ask your pastor/priest or a knowledgeable member of your church for advice. [14]
  3. The final prerequisite for baptism is that you truly believe. Search deep within yourself to connect to your faith in Jesus Christ and make sure that you are ready to receive the Holy Spirit through baptism. [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why do adults get baptized?
    Zachary Rainey
    Ordained Minister
    Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
    Zachary Rainey
    Ordained Minister
    Expert Answer
    Adults who participate in a 'believer’s baptism' may decide to be baptized in water because they desire to identify with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism by immersion is a picture of being buried with Christ and rising to live a new life. Baptism tells everyone, 'I no longer live for myself, I live a new life in Christ.' The Christian Scriptures exhort every follower of Jesus to 'die' from selfish sinful ways and to 'live' in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit."
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  • Question
    Do I have to take classes in order to be baptized?
    Community Answer
    No, but it would be a good idea to do so, so that you can understand the process and reasoning more.
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  • Question
    When I was younger, I went to church and accepted Jesus as my savior, but was never baptized. Can I still do it now?
    Community Answer
    Yes of course! Getting baptized is your own choice and you can to it at any time before His coming.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/bishops-priests-and-deacons/
      2. ↑ http://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/a-guide-to-catholic-baptism/
      3. ↑ https://htcatholic.org/become-catholic
      4. ↑ https://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/christianity-questions-answers/is-it-important-to-get-baptized-as-an-adult.html
      5. ↑ Fr. Scott Bailey. Catholic Priest. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/get_wet.shtml
      7. ↑ http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/get_wet.shtml
      8. ↑ http://strongsnumbers.com/greek/907.htm
      9. ↑ http://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/bishops-priests-and-deacons/
      1. ↑ Olivia Woodford. Holy Bible Expert. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/get_wet.shtml
      3. ↑ http://www.clarifyingchristianity.com/get_wet.shtml
      4. ↑ http://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/are-there-any-prerequisites-it
      5. ↑ http://www.equip.org/article/can-i-be-saved-without-getting-baptized/
      6. ↑ http://www.aboutcatholics.com/beliefs/a-guide-to-catholic-baptism/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get baptized, start by speaking to a minister within the church you want to be a part of and finding out the specific requirements for baptism within that denomination. Once you’ve set a date for the baptism, mentally prepare for your baptism by confessing your sins to a minister and accepting Jesus Christ as your savior. On the day of the ceremony, immerse yourself in water and have the minister bless you according to the tradition of your specific church. For tips on how to have your child baptized as a baby, read on!

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