 |
BAPTISM: Disciples believe baptism represents a person's desire to surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ as an act of faith. We practice baptism by immersion for those who come making their initial confession of faith. We see this manner of baptism as dynamically underscoring the biblical image we find in Colossians 2:12.
While practicing immersion, the Disciples in no way deny the efficacy of other modes of baptism. At Mayfair it is our practice to accept persons upon transfer of membership from other denominations, recognizing their baptism as they reaffirm belief in Jesus as the Christ, Lord and Savior of their lives.
COMMUNION: All believers are invited to the communion table as we celebrate the Lord's Supper each week. For Disciples this meal is the central act of Christian worship. It is an acknowledgement of our new life in Christ and the free gift of eternal life that is made possible by God's saving acts. A key feature of our observance is the use of laypersons (elders) at the Table. We do so in the belief that Christ is present as the celebrant, that we come always at his invitation, and that in coming to his table we dramatically affirm and celebrate our new life.