Christian Baptism Script for Ministers (With Scripture)

A heartfelt guide for a Christian Rite of Baptism, including baptism scripture, family participation, & prayer

 

If you’ve been called on to perform the baptism of a child, this simple ceremony script is an excellent starting place. 

 

Written by AMM Minister Jody Serey of Spirit and Light, this original script contains a call to worship, moving readings from scripture, the participation of parents and godparents, a candle lighting ceremony, and prayer. 

 

To modify this script for use in a nondenominational baptism for adults, replace certain phrasing as needed. For example, you might replace “parents and godparents” with “friends and family” or “beloved friends;” replace “child” with “son” or “daughter,” or simply begin the ritual further along in the script, starting with “The Rite of Baptism.”

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Modify this heartfelt script as needed: add your favorite scripture or prayer, included other loved ones such as siblings or grandparents, end with live music, and so on. (Photo: martinedoucet / iStock)

 

 

Baptism of Child: A Heartfelt Christian Baptism Script with Scripture & Prayer

 

• The Call to Worship and Opening Prayer

 

OFFICIANT
"Welcome everybody to the baptism of [name of child]. We are gathered to continue an ancient tradition of commitment and promise. Throughout the years, there have been many ways of expressing what we have come together to celebrate today. However, the reason has always remained the same – to welcome a child into a community of faith and love. 

[Name of child], your parents, godparents, and your loved ones bring you here today in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

We embrace you with our arms, our hearts, and our hopes for your happiness and well-being."

 

 

• Baptism Scripture Reading

 

OFFICIANT
"Hannah speaks of her son in the first book of Samuel, “For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to Him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” (1 Samuel, 27-28) 

Every child is a gift to be treasured, a pearl above price, a miracle of creation. Therefore, let us proclaim that this most certainly is the day that the Lord has made and we should rejoice and be glad. 

Blessed is the child who is given the gift of faith. And blessed are the parents who receive their child into their arms with both love and gratitude."

 

 

• The Gospel

 

OFFICIANT
"Mark writes that the people “brought the children to Christ that He should touch them; and His disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And He took them in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10:13-16)"

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• Question to Parents

 

OFFICIANT

"[Names of parents], what is it that you ask for [name of child]?"

PARENTS

"Baptism."

 

OFFICIANT
"In asking for baptism for your child, you are undertaking the responsibility of raising them in the faith, so that, keeping God’s commandments, they may love the Lord and their neighbor as Christ has taught us. Do you understand this responsibility?"

PARENTS

"We do."

 

 

• Question to Godparents

 

OFFICIANT
Godparents, are you ready to support the parents of this child in their duty? 

 

GODPARENTS

[The godparents respond together:] "We are."

 

OFFICIANT

"[Name of child], the community of Christ receives you with joy and hope.
 
Brothers and sisters, let us ask for the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ for [name of child] about to receive the grace of baptism, and for the parents, godparents, and all the faithful. Give this child new birth in baptism through the divine mystery of Your death and resurrection, and embrace them as a member of Your community. Lead them to the eternal joy of Your kingdom. Create in the parents and godparents examples of faith and hope. Lord, we ask You, hear our prayer. 

 

May the light of Christ the Savior shine upon [name of child] forever and ever. 

 

ALL IN ATTENDANCE

[All respond together:] "Amen."

 

 

• The Rite of Baptism

 

OFFICIANT

"Lord, may the power of the holy spirit come down through Your son into this water that we gather around today.  

 

Parents and godparents, through the sacrament of baptism the child you have presented is about to receive through the love of God new life by water and the Holy Spirit. You must strive to raise this child in the light of faith, so that this sacred life may be shielded from darkness and despair.

 

Parents and godparents, do you believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?" 

 

PARENTS & GODPARENTS TOGETHER

"I do."

 

OFFICIANT
"Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only son, our lord?"

 

PARENTS & GODPARENTS TOGETHER

"I do."

 

 

• Baptism

 

OFFICIANT

"Will the parents and godparents of [name of child] please come forward and stand with him?"

 

[Officiant/ celebrant places hand in bowl of water, and then places it on the head of the child to be baptized. The officiant traces a cross with water on the child’s forehead.]

 

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has given you new birth by water and the Holy Spirit."

 

 

• Baptism Candle Lighting  

 

[At Officiant's cue, Godparents light candles for child.] 

 

OFFICIANT

"Parents and godparents, this light is given to you to be kept burning brightly, so that this child may walk always as a child of the light. 

 

May the Almighty, who by water and the holy spirit has given us new birth into eternal life, bless this community, and may He grant peace to all who are here, through His son, our lord Christ Jesus."

 

 

• The Lord’s Prayer

 

OFFICIANT

"Let us pray the Lord’s Prayer together:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen."

 

 

• Closing Prayer

 

OFFICIANT

"When Jesus lived among His people on earth, He was taken as a baby to be presented to the elders in the temple. The prophet Simeon held the baby in his arms and offered a prayer of thanks to God.

Just as Simeon raised up Jesus and thanked God, let us also give thanks for [name of child] as a treasure of the Lord. 

We ask that God bless us, and shine His face upon us as He grants us peace. We ask Him to guard us, guide us, and keep us now and forever in love and joy, and in peace with each other. 

[Name of child], may the Lord give His angels charge over you, to guide you in all your ways. (Ps. 91:11)

Congratulations, and may blessings surround you every day of your life. May you live the days of your life with courage, joy, and hope.  

Amen."

 

End of Baptism Ceremony

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More Baptism Training & Ideas for Ministers from AMM

 

• How to Baptize Someone (and Why They Might Ask You To)
   
• What to Wear (and Not Wear) to a Baptism
   
• Spiritual Bathing - Performing Ritual Baths for Yourself & Others
   
• AMM Minister FAQs: Can I Perform Other Ceremonies Such as Baptisms and Funerals?

 

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Order Your Baptism Certificate From AMM

 

Where to order baptism certificates: American Marriage Ministries now offers original baptism certificates to commemorate this important milestone of faith. Choose from several beautiful designs in our store, including bible verses and scripture, elegant fonts, and meaningful symbolism. Each of our certificates of baptism are printed on quality recycled paper for framing and display, ensuring this keepsake can be passed down as a meaningful family heirloom for years to come.

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(Baptism Certificates are Displayed Under "Specialty & Seasonal Certificates")

(Above: Designs include water baptism symbolism, beautiful cross and flowers, and a dove baptism certificate. Visit the AMM Store to order your keepsake.)

 

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Wait, why are we talking about baptisms in American Weddings?
 

We spend a lot of time talking about wedding ceremonies here in the American Weddings blog. This makes sense... Wedding ceremonies (and wedding officiants) are awesome! And they’re our primary focus and passion. 

 

But AMM Ministers don’t just marry people. When they choose to, their roles can extend much further, supporting their communities in important ways. This deserves to be highlighted! 

 

Ordination through American Marriage Ministries gives our ministers all of the same rights and protections held by ministers ordained through traditional brick-and-mortar churches. As an AMM Minister (or Reverend, Pastor, or Officiant, whatever title you choose), your right to conduct religious ceremonies of all forms is protected by the religious non-establishment clause of the first amendment. While many of our ministers only conduct wedding ceremonies, others also conduct baptisms, funerals, baby blessings, and other meaningful rites. 

 

Learn more about what it means to be an AMM Minister by visiting our FAQ page. 

 

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