BAPTISM STANDARDS 
WHO BAPTIZES AND WHY?

A group of people gathered outdoors around a small water fountain, with three women standing in the center and the audience smiling and watching, some taking photos.

BAPTISM IS A SACRED ACT OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE.

Baptism is a powerful public declaration of one’s commitment to Christ. It is a rising from spiritual death, a conquering over spiritual darkness, and a public declaration of citizenship in the Kingdom of God. We believe we are not just a Sunday program for people’s preferences but a wartime church called to a unique mission that we must take seriously.

The Garden is a church on the edge of the darkness and we expect to engage in real spiritual warfare. Because of this, we pray over every new convert getting baptized, including contending against demonic strongholds, sin patterns, and opposition. This means our baptism team is comprised of trained prayer warriors who are equipped to minister in the moment as well as do intense follow up. It’s our mission to lose none of new converts stepping out of darkness and into light. For this reason, we take special care to ensure those who baptize are fully vetted, trained, and mature disciples of Jesus.

While baptism is not reserved for pastors alone, Scripture indicates that those leading in baptism were recognized, faithful followers of Jesus (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:36-38).

WHO CAN BAPTIZE?

Our guiding principle is that baptisms should be conducted by trusted, long-term disciples— preferably those who have followed Jesus for about a year, and are known members in good standing. While there may be some exceptions, this rule of thumb ensures that baptisms remain a meaningful act led by those with a solid, proven commitment to Christ.

WHY THIS STANDARD?

Biblical Precedent – In the New Testament, baptisms were conducted by recognized disciples, such as the apostles and other mature believers (John 3:22, Acts 9:10-18). This was not about titles but about trust and discipleship.


Spiritual Integrity – Requiring trusted believers helps avoid the awkwardness of last-minute decisions where we must assess someone's legitimacy on the spot. Instead of subjective calls, we can point to a clear, pre-set standard.


Guarding Against Confusion – We want to avoid situations where individuals without a clear commitment to Christ (e.g., newly baptized individuals, casual attendees, or family members with different theological views) insist on baptizing. Baptism is a sacred act, and those leading it should reflect our shared convictions.


Intentional Oversight – While we allow rare exceptions for members in good standing—such as a parent baptizing their child when pre-arranged—our general practice is that baptizers should be known, trusted disciples.





PRACTICAL GUIDELINES

Yes to people walking up to be baptized.

No to most walk-up baptizers.

Exceptions may be made for longstanding, trusted members who especially those who pre-arranged their request.

Parents baptizing children should generally be planned in advance, ensuring alignment with our church’s discipleship values.

Instead of walk up baptizers we provide our Baptism Team for in the moment decisions and walk ups.

This approach keeps baptism both open and ordered—allowing for spontaneous obedience while ensuring leadership from solid believers. We aim to create a culture where those performing baptisms are not just present but prepared and proven in their discipleship.