Christadelphian Baptism
A defining feature of Christadelphian baptism is that it is for believers — not infants. Every baptism follows a personal confession of faith. Christadelphians believe that faith must be based on understanding: knowing what one believes and why. Before anyone is baptised, they will have spent considerable time studying the Bible, often with members of a local ecclesia (congregation).
This process usually takes months, sometimes longer. The aim is not only to learn key Bible teachings, but also to reflect deeply on repentance, forgiveness, and discipleship. Candidates are encouraged to think carefully about what it means to follow Christ in everyday life. Baptism is therefore never rushed or treated as symbolic formality; it is the deliberate decision of someone who has come to a personal conviction about their faith.
The Baptism Process
When a person asks to be baptised, the local ecclesia gets to know them personally. The emphasis is on relationship and community — sharing Bible readings, discussions, and prayer together. Before baptism takes place, the candidate meets with several experienced members who talk through their understanding of the gospel and their reasons for wanting to be baptised.
This is not an exam, but a pastoral conversation to ensure that the decision is informed, sincere, and heartfelt. Only after this process — and once both the individual and the ecclesia are confident of the person’s readiness — is baptism arranged.
The setting can vary: many ecclesial halls have purpose-built baptismal baths, while others use swimming pools, rivers, or even the sea. What matters is not the location, but the meaning — the act of total immersion symbolising the washing away of sins and rebirth through Christ.
Faith Before Form
Christadelphians place great importance on the sincerity of belief. Baptism has no value if done without genuine faith or repentance. As Galatians 3:27 says, “As many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ.” The act itself is only the outward expression of an inward conviction.
Because of this, Christadelphian communities take great care in discerning the genuineness of someone’s faith. Baptism follows a long and thoughtful process of learning, relationship, and trust — not a momentary impulse. Those who are baptised are then welcomed fully into fellowship and encouraged to grow in their walk with God within a supportive spiritual family.
A Lifelong Journey
Baptism, for Christadelphians, is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. It is a covenant relationship with God that brings both privilege and responsibility. The newly baptised believer commits to following Jesus’ teachings, sharing in the life of the ecclesia, and striving daily to live out the values of the gospel.
Through this, baptism stands not as a ritual or symbol of convenience, but as a deeply personal and spiritual milestone — a moment of truth, commitment, and faith in action.
