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Baptism

All baptized persons are members of their local church, the denomination, and the church universal. Photo by Mary Catherine Phillips, Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference.

Baptism: A sacrament of The United Methodist Church

Baptism is one of the ways United Methodists celebrate God’s grace at work in our lives.

Whether you’re exploring baptism for yourself, for a child or grandchild, or simply wanting to understand what it means, baptism marks God’s promise to be with us, and our welcome into the life of the church.

Considering baptism in The United Methodist Church?

If you’re considering baptism, you probably have questions—and that’s okay.

Ask The UMC offers clear, trusted answers about what baptism means in The United Methodist Church, what to expect, and the role of sponsors or godparents. If you’re exploring baptism for yourself, a child, or a grandchild, this is a good place to start.

Start here
Chaplain Jefat Zhou baptizes one of 350 inmates christened at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare, Zimbabwe, on July 28. The baptisms were part of a United Methodist prison ministry led by of the Harare East District’s Church and Society Committee. Photo by Prudence Choto, Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.

Baptism carries deep meaning in The United Methodist Church. Explore the beliefs that shape our understanding of God’s grace, covenant, and life together in Christ.

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Members of the 2016 Wesley Pilgrimage in England rest their hands on the Baptismal font at St. Andrew's church in Epworth, England where John Wesley was baptized. Photo by the Rev. Anita Mays (Permission granted by the Rev. Anita Mays of Midlothian, Virgini with photo credit.

The United Methodist Church has a formal statement that describes our shared understanding of baptism. This official text reflects how United Methodists articulate the meaning of baptism, its connection to grace, and its place in the life of the church.

Official Statement

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