Baptism 

Evangelical Lutheran St. John’s church along with the vast majority of Christian denominations since the time of the Apostles, baptizes both infants and adults in accord with Christ’s command to baptize and teach “all nations” (Matt. 28:19) and the Apostles’ practice of baptizing whole households and families (Acts 16:33; 1 Cor. 1:16). St. Peter also declared:
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts.2:38-39)

Some Common Questions about Baptism:
Can we have our child baptized? Can I be baptized?
In almost all cases, yes! In most cases, if you’ve been baptized, there is no reason to be baptized again. But if you’ve never been baptized and would like to be, please ask a pastor after worship service and arrange an instruction meeting with pastor. Instruction contain Lutheran catechism, or in other words, basic teaching about God, sin, forgiveness of sins in Christ and instruction on Christian living. You can learn more about that here. If you want to baptize your child catechism is not required.

What is required for Baptism?
Only the desire to be baptized and the understanding that our Lord always connects baptism and teaching. Baptism is not a “get out of hell free card” or a magic wand that makes us Christians. Baptism and a living faith in Christ are what save us. In the case of children, we baptize and afterwards teach in Sunday School and Confirmation classes. In the case of adults, we teach the Faith first and then baptize in accord with the example in Acts:

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. (Acts.8:35-38)

How much does it cost?
Absolutely nothing. We are glad to share the Gifts of God’s Grace!

How do you baptize?
While some groups insist on a specific mode or method of baptism, the Greek word βαπτίζω simply means “to wash with water.” The mode (pouring, sprinkling, immersing) is not specified, and a baptism with water in the Name of The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is always valid no matter how the water was applied. St. John’s baptismal font is best suited for “pouring”.