Observations for Baptism Consultation
A third observation on the significance for Pentecostals in this consultation on believers’ baptism/credobaptism vis-à-vis infant baptism/paedobaptism was the sheer delight of interacting with other traditions which are all in the same broad category on water baptism but which also have distinctive approaches. Particularly significant, I think, was hearing the increasing appreciation of all, Pentecostals and others as well, for the active role of the Holy Spirit in water baptism, specifically, and, more generally, in the ordinances or sacraments of the Church.
Frankly, partly because of some of my familial roots in both traditions, it was delightful to have Church of Christ and Church of God scholars reaching together for shared goals on water baptism (and, by implication, the Lord’s Supper). Also, again partly because of my own Church of God membership, encountering the shared Church of the Brethren tradition of foot washing as in some sense complementary to water baptism was a special blessing as well. Once more, partly because of my own previous association with Baptists and affiliation with the Church of God, it was enlightening to have both traditions exploring the relations of child dedication/presentation to each other and to water baptism. Finally, my participation, for nearly a decade, in the Church of God/Mennonite Church USA dialogue made interacting with Mennonites from the World Conference a particularly enriching experience.
Read the Press Release from the Consultation
Category: Ministry, Winter 2015
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