What We Believe
from  www.elca.org

Christ the King is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and, as such, educates about Baptism and performs Baptisms in a way that aligns with our faith.

In Holy Baptism, God liberates us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Born children of a fallen humanity, in the baptismal waters we become God’s reborn children and inherit eternal life.  By water and the Holy Spirit we are made members of the Church, which is Christ’s body.  As we live with him and with his people, we grow in faith, love and obedience to God’s will.

God’s act, Jesus’ command
In the beginning of the ELCA baptismal service, we acknowledge first that Baptism is God’s act, God’s initiative and God’s gift.  It connects us to Jesus, the Church, and eternal life.  That is fundamental to ELCA Lutherans’ baptismal theology.

Lutherans baptize in response to Jesus directing his disciples to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).  We believe that this Great Commission is the motivator for Christian Baptism.

The Church and infant baptism
ELCA Lutherans believe that Baptism is the Church’s entry rite.  Baptism brings us into the Church, Christ’s living body on earth.  As the First Century churches baptized whole families, including infants, so do Lutherans.  In fact, usually ELCA Lutherans bring their infants to the baptismal font within the first months—even weeks—of a child’s life. 

Sacramental baptism—Word and water
Baptism is one of the two sacraments that mark Lutheran theology and practice, the other being  The Eucharist (or Holy Communion).  We believe both to have been instituted by Jesus.

Martin Luther defined sacraments as actions whose outward signs point to God’s command and promise.  They contain two things: 1) the Word of God that makes the action or elements a sacrament; and 2) an outward sign—which in Baptism is the primordial element, the ‘stuff’ of life, water.

Forgiveness of sin and salvation
Luther’s Large Catechism (IV, 83) instructs that Baptism “overcomes and takes away sin.”  Sin is washed away and the old self shattered.  Newness comes not by the breath of God, as at creation, but by the death of Christ.

What We Do

At Christ the King we encourage Baptism for all ages; infants, children and adults. If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized please contact Pastor Brian Ballard or Pastor Sherry Morrison to set up your baptism and baptismal consult.