Mainline Protestant baptism as a guest

01 Before the day

Mainline Protestant infant baptisms are normally celebrated at the Sunday morning service of the congregation. Guests are attending the regular Sunday service with a baptism incorporated after the sermon. The full service typically runs 60 to 90 minutes depending on the denomination and the local custom.

02 Attire

Smart-casual to church-formal is typical. A jacket and tie for men or a sport coat with chinos; a dress, skirt, or smart trousers for women. The formality varies by denomination and by congregation.

03 The gift

A small gift is conventional. Common gifts include a children's Bible, a baptismal cross or medal, a children's prayer book, or a more secular gift for the child. Sponsors and close family typically give more substantial gifts.

04 At the ceremony

Guests typically arrive 15 minutes before the service begins. Seating is normally open; the family is seated in the front of the sanctuary.

The service proceeds as a normal Sunday service through the readings, the sermon, and the prayers. The baptism then takes place at the font, with the candidate(s) presented by the parents and sponsors (where the denomination uses sponsors). The rite includes the renunciation of evil and profession of faith (made by the parents and sponsors on the child's behalf), the prayer of thanksgiving over the water, and the baptism itself (typically by pouring or sprinkling water on the child's head three times while the pastor pronounces the Trinitarian formula).

A distinctive feature of most Mainline Protestant baptism rites is the congregational vow: after the parents and sponsors have made their vows, the pastor turns to the gathered congregation and asks whether they will support the child in the Christian life; the congregation answers "We will." Guests are welcome to join the congregational response.

05 Communion (where included)

Whether the Sunday service includes Holy Communion depends on the denomination, the congregation, and the Sunday. Lutheran services typically include Communion weekly; Methodist and Presbyterian services often celebrate Communion monthly. Most Mainline Protestant traditions practice open communion, inviting all baptized Christians to the table; LCMS practice tends to be closer to closed communion. The pastor extends the invitation explicitly.

06 The reception

Many congregations host a coffee hour after the Sunday service; the family is typically present and may also host a private family meal afterward. The reception is normally informal.