Small Group Toolbox: Practicing Baptism
Summary: Many small groups use a bath tub or lake. The small group gathers around and it can be a very meaningful time.
In the “Toolbox” series of blogs we’ll answer some of the most common questions about leading small groups. If you have questions you’d like answered, just drop us a message!
Can I practice water baptism in my small group?
If someone in your small group has become a follower of Jesus, they can immediately be baptized in water. It is most optimal if you can find a place with enough water so they can be immersed (examples in Acts and Matthew describe people coming “up out of the water”). Many small groups around the world use a bath tub, river or lake. It can be a very meaningful time as the small group gathers around to bear witness to this act of allegiance to Jesus. Practicing baptism in our small groups helps new believers understand that any believer can take responsibility to make disciples, beginning with baptizing them when they begin to follow Jesus.
You can ask the person to share aloud why they want to be baptized. It’s OK if their answer is simple. They may say, “I want to live different now. I want to serve Jesus and follow him.” After this, you say, “Because you have said aloud that you are following Jesus, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Then put them fully under water, and bring them up out of the water. You can also share the scripture from Colossians 2:12. “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead (NLT).”
Afterward, take the opportunity to celebrate in a way that is meaningful for your small group. In some countries, small groups even bake a cake! Let the Holy Spirit lead you. But a good guideline is to keep the whole experience simple enough that others can reproduce it.
