Because the Evangelical Covenant Church – and Decorah Covenant Church, in particular – has a background that includes several streams of Christian faith traditions, there is sometimes confusion about ceremonies and sacraments. We believe that the following positions reflect a biblical understanding that is also consistent with the mission of Decorah Covenant Church and the Covenant Affirmations, including the principle of freedom in Christ.
While times of celebration and commitment are important, our pietistic and evangelical traditions emphasize that the path of a joyful, obedient, biblically-literate, grace-based, fruit-bearing walk in the Spirit is the true measure of a transformed life, at every age in life, and at every stage in a spiritual journey. Participation in the life of this local church is assumed to be a part of this journey, but church membership is not a prerequisite for engaging in these sacraments and celebrations.
At DCC, some of these milestones are regularly scheduled and others are celebrated on an as-needed basis. If you have questions, would like to engage in deeper discussion, or would like to schedule an infant dedication or baptism, we encourage you to contact our Lead Pastor or our Pastor of Youth and Worship.
Additional information may be found at the Covenant’s website.
Sacraments & Celebrations
This ceremony, usually included in a worship service, gives parents an opportunity to offer thanks for the gift of their child and to take vows of commitment to raise the child to delight in God’s Word and to know Christ. There is also a mutual commitment on the part of the congregation to come alongside the parents (and sponsors, if there are sponsors) and a sense of hope and expectation that the child will come to the place of receiving new life in Christ. Preparation for this ceremony usually includes 1 or 2 sessions with parents and pastor(s).
The baptism of children emphasizes the place of grace in God’s call to his people, and the inclusion of the child in the covenant of grace seen in their parents’ faith. However, equal weight is given to the expectation that the child will one day recognize God’s grace in their own life, their need for a savior, and the necessity of personal faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. Both parents and congregation make mutual promises to one another and to the child before God, so the service is typically done during gathered worship. Preparation for baptism of a young child usually includes 1 or 2 sessions with parents and pastor(s).
Youth and adults are baptized, typically by immersion, as a sign of
- God’s grace coming to them,
- their identification with Christ in His death and resurrection, and
- their inclusion in the Body of Christ.
The person being baptized will meet up to 3 times with the pastor(s) for preparation that includes learning about the meaning of baptism and discipleship. He or she will be encouraged to make a personal confession of faith before the congregation, and to take the vows of baptism. Because of this, the decision to be baptized should not be done based on emotion or group/family pressure. A young person’s decision about baptism should be made in consultation with parents, pastors and the Scriptures. While children may express an interest in being baptized at a young age, many parents find that encouraging the child to wait until age 10 to be baptized increases the likelihood that the simple, but radical meaning of this lifelong sign will be best understood. Because baptism is also about inclusion in the Body of Christ, this service is not done privately, but with as much of the congregation gathered as possible. Believer baptisms are typically done outdoors when weather permits, though arrangements can be made for baptism by immersion in any season.
We believe that it is faith in Jesus Christ, and not an outward act, such as baptism, either as an adult or infant, that provides assurance of the promise of eternal life.
The Lord’s Supper (also referred to as Communion or the Eucharist) is included in worship at least once a month and, in certain seasons, weekly. The Table is open to those who have put their faith in Christ. Parents should see a child’s interest in participating in the Table as an opportunity for teaching about its meaning, going back to the story of the Passover, the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, and the glorious hope of eternal fellowship in the presence of Christ. Parents can also help children discern where they are in their relationship with Christ, and connect Baptism and the Lord’s Supper with their personal knowledge of Christ, before allowing them to participate in the Communion during worship. Our pastors are always willing to engage in a conversation with children–or those of any age–who have questions about the sacrament of Communion and/or whether they are ready to partake. Children who do not yet participate in the Lord’s Supper are encouraged to come forward for a blessing.
Faith development in children and spiritual journeys of adults will always include different seasons and decisions. Some journeys take people far from God. Youth and adults who have been baptized at any age and in any manner can use the Affirmation of Baptismal Covenant service as a way to publicly and clearly recognize the work of the Spirit convicting, calling, and clarifying in that journey. Those who have been baptized as infants, for example, may want to connect, as an adolescent or adult, with that baptism’s call and promise and make a public profession of personal faith in Jesus. Others whose journeys have taken them far from God may use this ceremony, and the two sessions of preparation for it, as a way to express their return to Christ and their desire to walk in the Spirit. The ceremony includes several “vow” type questions which are very similar to the promises made by believers at their baptism, and is typically done during a worship service. Such promises include faithful living in covenant with God and his people, seeking together to fulfill the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
Our biblical understanding of “one baptism” typically precludes rebaptism at any age. Those who wish to mark their return to faith are encouraged to participate in the “Affirmation of Baptismal Covenant” ceremony wherever possible.