Baptism
As the word 'baptism' implies, this ceremony involves the use of water. Most importantly, it is a sacrament of the church. That is, it was commanded by Jesus to be administered only to those who truly desire to become His disciples. A disciple is a person who wants to fully integrate into the life and fellowship of the local church, taking on all the responsibilities and benefits of membership. (Jesus said to His disciples, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.) A child is included in baptism on the basis of the parents commitment to church membership.
It is, therefore, administered only to committed Christian believers and their children as a public testimony to their commitment to Christ and membership in His church. In fact, water is used to symbolise a persons willingness to die to themselves and live as a member of Christ's resurrected community (the church), in an earnest desire to be transformed by His Spirit. (see Romans 6:3-14)
Requirements: There are two forms of baptism, one for adults and another for children. The requirements differ according to the form.
Adult baptism: The baptism of an adult is the sign of that persons repentance and conversion to Christ, and willingness to engage in the on-going process of becoming His disciple. It is only valid if the adult displays a sincere commitment to, and regular membership of, the local church community.
Infant baptism: The baptism of a child is only done when it is obvious that the parents are committed Christian believers and are regular members of the local church. Baptism is not available for those that are not committed members of CCM. As part of preparation for baptism we require that classes be completed before a baptism date is settled upon.
Ceremony: We always build the baptism service around the structures given to us in An Australian Prayer Book. This gives the parents or adult baptism candidate an opportunity to make public confessions of their faith in Christ as well as an opportunity for the local church congregation to make public responses.