Baptismal Service Guidelines for our stake issued in 2014

The Stake Presidency recommends the following guidelines for baptismal services conducted in our stake, as outlined in Handbook 2 and Preach My Gospel.

Recommended Elements of a Baptismal Service

·   Prelude music

·   Brief welcome by the priesthood leader conducting

·   Opening hymn

·   Opening prayer

·   Talks: One or two brief talks on gospel topics, such as baptism and the Holy Ghost; other appropriate topics may include the Restoration, the Godhead, the Atonement, principles and ordinances of the gospel, priesthood authority

·   Special musical number

·   Performance of baptismal ordinance

·   A reverence time while awaiting those involved in the ordinance; the time could be used effectively by: (1) having the full-time missionaries teach about the Restoration,
(2) bearing of testimonies; (3) inviting attendees to write their testimony or feelings on a 3x5 card to the new converts; (4) listening to music; (5) singing hymns, etc.

·   Brief testimony or remarks by converts, if desired (we encourage it – see D&C 20:37)

·   Optional: Closing remarks or testimony by the presiding authority or bishopric member

·   Closing hymn

·   Closing prayer

·   Postlude music

Additional Guidelines

·   Baptismal services should start on time and be simple, brief and spiritual.

·   The Ward Mission Leader (WML) organizes the service under the bishopric’s direction.

·   Candidates can be consulted, but do not have the final say about the program.

·   Ward and/or family members are encouraged to participate in the service.  

·   Full-time (FT) missionary involvement in the service or preparations should be minimal.

·   Consider assigning young men in the priests quorum to serve as witnesses.

·   The WML or bishopric member conducts the service, but is not required to speak or give a “welcome to the ward” message.

·   FT missionaries should encourage and prepare candidate(s) to share a testimony or feelings following the performance of the ordinance.

·   Set an expectation that home and visiting teachers, all ward missionaries and all ward council members (or their representative) attend all convert baptismal services and provide support, especially in a fellowshipping role.

·   Consider holding the service at a time conducive to fitting ward families’ busy schedules.

·   Create a culture in the ward that all members attend baptismal services.

·   Refreshments are allowed, but not required and should not detract from the ordinance.

·   Remind family and friends that photographs or video of the ordinance are not allowed.

·   The WML or assistant should fill the font, not the FT missionaries. It takes over an hour to fill the font and, for safety reasons, he should remain there until it’s full and later drained.

·   Ward leaders or members, not FT missionaries, should be responsible for other baptismal service preparations, such as printed programs, clean clothing, extra towels, etc.