Introduction
[The minister will invite those making Public Profession of Faith to approach the baptismal font.]
In the sacrament of holy baptism we are adopted as God’s own children in Jesus Christ and made members of the body of Christ. In our baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection and are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Our baptism also calls us to personally respond to God’s promises by publicly declaring our faith in Jesus Christ and promising to live wholeheartedly for him. The apostle Paul declares, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Rom. 10:9-10).
Public profession of faith is a significant milestone of faith in our lives. We profess our faith in every worship service and in every step of faith and commitment we take in our walk with God. Today [name/s] are taking another step by publicly declaring their faith and becoming full participants in the life and mission of this congregation.
[Name/s)], when you were baptized, you were united with Jesus Christ and his church by God’s gracious covenant promises. We rejoice that you have now decided to respond to your baptism by publicly professing your faith in Jesus Christ.
With your Public Profession of Faith today you will take your place as a full participant in the life and mission of this congregation.
The Vows
[Moving to a more visible place, if necessary.]
[Name/s], we ask you now to profess your faith in Jesus Christ by answering the following questions:
[Option 1]
Beloved child of God,
I ask you before God and Christ’s church
to reject evil,
to profess your faith in Christ Jesus, and
to confess the faith of the church.
Do you renounce sin and the power of evil
in your life and in the world?
I renounce them.
Do you accept the gracious promises of God sealed to you in baptism, and do you affirm your union with Christ and his church, which your baptism signifies?
I do, with God’s help.
Will you be a faithful member of this congregation,
accept its teaching,
and participate in its worship, fellowship, and mission?
I will.
Do you promise to accept the spiritual guidance of the church and to walk in the spirit of Christian love with this congregation?
I do.
[Option 2]
[Name/s], we ask you now to profess your faith in Jesus Christ by answering the following questions:
- Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God sent to redeem the world; do you love and trust him as the one who saves you from sin; and do you, with repentance and joy, embrace him as the Lord of your life?
I do, with God’s help. - Do you believe that the Bible is the Word of God revealing Christ and his redemption, and that the confessions of this church faithfully reflect this revelation?
I do, with God’s help. - Do you accept the gracious promises of God sealed to you in your baptism, and do you affirm your union with Christ and his church, which your baptism signifies?
I do, with God’s help. - Do you promise to accept the spiritual guidance of the church in a spirit of Christian love and participate in its worship, fellowship, and mission?
I do, with God’s help.
[The congregation is asked to rise in order to make their promises. The minister or elder addresses the members of the congregation:]
Do you promise to love and support [name/s]
with your prayers, encouragement, and example?
We do.
The Apostles’ Creed
[The congregation and the candidates shall join in confessing their faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed. The questions may be omitted.]
Do you believe in God the Father?
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Blessing and Welcome
[The minister may continue by laying hands on the heads of all those being received, -offering the following or a similar prayer of blessing. The elders may join in the laying on of hands.]
Defend, O Lord, this your servant, [name],
with your heavenly grace, that he/she may continue to be yours forever and
may daily increase in your Spirit, until he/she comes to your eternal kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
[The minister invites the congregation to stand.]
By the Holy Spirit, all who believe and are baptized receive a ministry
to witness to Jesus as Savior and Lord, and
to love and serve those with whom they live and work.
We are ambassadors for Christ,
who reconciles and makes whole.
We are the salt of the earth;
we are the light of the world.
Let us welcome our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Joyfully we receive you.
Join with us as we give witness in the world to the good news,
for we are all one in Christ Jesus.
Alleluia.
[The following blessing may be said:]
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace. Amen. (from Num. 6:24-26)