POLICY FOR WATER BAPTISM

Crystal Ministries affirms that water baptism is for all believers as a sign of their identification with salvation in Jesus Christ. We teach and practice baptism by immersion.

3.1 Scriptural basis for Water Baptism

1. It is practice and accepted by Jesus (John 4:1-20)
2. It is an example set by Jesus. (Matt 3:13-14)
3. It fulfills all righteousness (Matt 3:15)
4. It is pleasing to the Father (Matt 3:16)
5. It is a public confession of faith. (Acts 19:1-5)
6. It is an act of obedience. (Matt 28:19)

3.2 Who can be baptized?

1. Everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
2. All those who have repented and have reached the age of accountability.
3. Everyone who has attended the baptismal classes. (These classes are compulsory for candidates).

3.3 How do we baptize?

1. We baptize in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and in the name of the Holy Spirit.
2.  We practice total immersion in water-once only.
3. We baptize according to the candidate’s confession of faith

3.4 Dress Code

Women can wear a long shirt with leggings. A swimming costume must be worn underneath. (It must not be a see-through).
Man must wear t-shirts and shorts. No man will be baptized without a t-shirt (bare chest).
Other items to be brought along on the day of baptism:

1. Towels and changing clothes.
2. A bag to store all the clothes.

3.5 Procedure for the Water Baptism

1. All persons wishing to go through water baptism must complete a water baptism form obtainable from the usher’s desk.
2. The following information is required and is compulsory:

1. Full names and surname
2. Date of birth
3. Full name and contact details.

1. All baptism candidates must attend the compulsory water baptism class on the Wednesday before the water baptism service as announced by the ministry.
2. The water baptism class is held at Crystal Ministries at 7 PM.
3. On the day of the baptismal service all candidates are to meet in the auditorium half an hour before baptism to pray and prepare themselves spiritually.
4. All candidates will attend the service – up until the time when requested to precede to the change rooms and get ready for the water baptism.
5. The water baptism will be done by the Pastor and will be assisted by their spouses and the team.
6. Once in the pool one pastor will stand on the left side of the candidate and the other Pastor on the right hand side.
7. Only two candidates will be baptized at a time.
8. When the candidate is ready:
1. ask for the candidates name
2. Then say the following: “………………….(candidates name) according to the profession of your faith, I baptize you in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son and in the name of the Holy Spirit.
3. Lower the candidate’s body into the water and lift the candidate out of the water.
9. After each candidate has been baptized – they must return to the changing rooms.
10. Thereafter return to the auditorium.
11. Certificates are issued at the end of the service.
12. The candidates are now registered members of Crystal Ministries and must be added to the membership database.
13. A follow up visit by the Pastor must be done a week after the water baptism.