Q:Why doesn't the Missouri Lutheran Church practice immersion when performing baptism since Jesus was immersed by John?

A:The Greek verb for baptism is: baptizo. This verb can include "the act of immersion", but this word can also mean to wash, or to apply, or pour water.

In addition to baptism in the Jordan, the early church also baptized in homes and in churches—not in rivers (Paul’s baptism in Acts 9:17-19; the jailer’s family in Acts 16:31-34; and the large crowd in Cornelius’ house in Acts 10:27-48 are good examples of this).

As a Christian denomination, we are open to baptism by immersion, but do not believe immersion is the only TRUE baptism. It is not the amount of water that makes baptism significant or valid. It is also not the congregation, or parent, or pastor, nor even the person being baptized. What gives baptism the power to transform life is God’s Word.

Baptismal water would remain "ordinary water" if God’s Word was not attached to it. That is why Jesus commanded that we be baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) God’s Word and presence changes everything.