Planning a Baptism

A Eight Step Guide to Planning a Baptism or Christening

Officiating baptismal or christening ceremonies is one of the three primary services Universal Life Church Monastery ministers provide to their communities, and is one that every ULC minister should embrace. A baptismal ceremony is one of the most notable points in every Christian's journey, and an officiant should treat every one he or she performs with reverence. Ministers can use the following comprehensive guide to plan a baptismal ceremony once they have been contacted by the proud parents of a newly-born child.

Step 1: Choosing godparents
Godparent selection is an important decision made by all parents who decide to have their children baptised. While our ministers do not have an official say in the matter, parents will sometimes ask the officiant (especially if they are a friend or relative) to give advice or share their opinion. A ULC minister who is asked to help select godparents is put in a unique position where they can help foster development - spiritual and otherwise - by selecting the right individuals. ULC Monastery ministers should treat this responsibility very, very seriously as the wrong choice could have disastrous consequences for the young child.

Step 2: Scheduling
Most churches have days set aside for baptismal and christening ceremonies, so it is necessary for the baptism officiant to contact the church where the baptism will take place early in the planning process to reserve a date.  Officiants can plan less far in advance if the baptism is to be a non-denominational or interfaith event as the ceremony's location can thus be more flexible; community centers or even someones home can be used in place of the church. Make sure to consider a day that will accommodate everyone's schedule. While this can be daunting, ULC ministers find that there is generally enough flexibility to find a day that works with all parties.

Step 3: Inquire about baptismal customs
As many ULC ministers have discovered from officiating wedding ceremonies, people have greatly different ideas as to how a baptism should be performed. Officiants should go over their plans for the baptism with the baby's parents to make sure they have similar customs in mind. For more information, please read the information we have prepared about baptism customs.

Step 4: Preparation
Ministers should take the time to prepare their words and actions during the ceremony well before it takes place. Researching and rehearsing appropriate scripture readings may also be a good idea. As with so many other things in life, the best baptismal officiant is the one that is best prepared! The ULC Monastery's online store has a popular book series that will help you do so.

Step 5: Spread the word
Baptisms are meaningful regardless of whether or not others are there. It is likely that the baby's parents will want to invite a whole host of relatives and friends, so mailed invitations are a good idea if they have a "the more the merrier" mentality. Also, make sure to let to the parents know ahead of time if you are not comfortable speaking in front of crowds. They will want to make sure you enjoy the ceremony as well.

Step 6: Ministerial garb
Check with the parents to see if they want you to wear ministerial garb. If they do, the ULC Monastery has an online store in which you can buy the proper attire for low prices.

Step 7: Refreshments and other accouterments
Work with the parents to determine what refreshments and decorations they want for before and / or after the ceremony. Raising young children can be hectic so they are sure to appreciate the help.

Step 8: Perform the ceremony
Planning the baptismal ceremony is the hard part; performing it should be fun! If you are nervous, take heart knowing that people still appreciate ULC Monastery ministers even when they make mistakes during their ceremonies. When you are finished,  please share your experience with the Universal Life Church and your co-ministers online - we would love to hear your story!