Baptism is the point at which someone is publicly identified as belonging to Christ and to his people. Every branch of Christianity practises it, and they have argued about the details for centuries while agreeing on that.

What it signifies

Washing, and burial and resurrection. Going down into the water pictures dying to an old life; coming up pictures being raised into a new one. It is also entry into a visible community, which is why it is done in front of the congregation rather than privately.

Traditions differ on how much the act itself accomplishes. Some hold that God works through it; others treat it as a sign of a work already done. All agree it is commanded and is not optional for a believer.

Infants or believers

Churches that baptise infants see it as the sign of belonging to the covenant community, given before understanding, much as circumcision was. Children so baptised are later expected to confirm the faith for themselves.

Churches that baptise only believers hold that the New Testament pattern is faith first, then baptism, and that the sign should follow the reality it signifies.

This is a genuine disagreement between people who take Scripture seriously. It is not a difference between real and unreal Christians, and it is worth knowing which view a church holds before you join it.

Immersion or pouring

The Greek word most naturally means to dip, and immersion is the older and more widespread practice. Pouring or sprinkling is used where full immersion is impractical and, in some traditions, as the normal form. Churches differ over whether the mode matters; ask, and you will be told plainly.

What happens on the day

You will usually be asked to say briefly how you came to faith, and to answer a few questions in front of the congregation. Then water, then prayer, then usually a very happy room. Bring dry clothes if immersion is used.

How to know if you are ready

You do not need to have your life in order first; nobody is baptised because they have become good enough. What is asked is that you believe and intend to follow. If you are unsure, say so to a church leader rather than waiting until you feel certain, because certainty of that kind usually arrives afterwards.

If you have no congregation yet, that is the first step rather than this one. The directory is where to start.