The World Council of Churches Faith and Order Paper No 111 names five elements of what takes place in baptism:
- Participation in Christ’s Death and Resurrection
- Conversion, Pardoning and Cleansing
- The Gift of the Spirit
- Incorporation into the Body of Christ
- The Sign of the Kingdom
Each of these is worthy of remembering, as well as ongoing reflection and meditation. In our baptismal liturgy in the Book of Alternative Serivces each candidate for baptism is asked six questions:
- Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
- Will you persevere in resisting evil and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
- Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
- Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbour as yourself?
- Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
- Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God’s creation and respect, sustain, and renew the life of the earth?
Each of these questions is answered with " I will, with God’s help."
In each session, participants join two panelists who each reflect briefly on one of these questions.
