[Glendora Christianson]

Jesus prefers a proper baptism performed by a pastor, but there are times when an Emergency Baptism is needed and in these cases HE may call upon a layperson to perform an Emergency Baptism.

When an Emergency Baptism called for:
The candidate urgently requests baptism.
Despite having received the best available medical attention, the candidate is reasonably worried that they might die.
You have tried and failed to contact a member of the clergy, or a member of the clergy cannot arrive in time.

Performing a Emergency Baptism:
Make sure your intentions are to perform a baptism, what I mean is make sure you aren't interrogating a witch, horsing around in a swimming pool, or looking for a stringer full of Largemouth Bass that your hubby dropped in the lake. Water must be involved, so locate a pool of water. Avoid those funny round cement structures with an arm that goes around in circles spraying water! Immerse the person to be baptised and recite Matthew 28:19; “I baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Finally, if this person is an accident victim, or appears to be unconscious or worse, remember to call 911 after the baptism.

A few final thoughts:
Many folks live their entire lives without performing an Emergency Baptism. Don't be too eager to offer such a service. It is not uncommon for a person who is being stoned to beg for baptism, but this is usually just a ploy to avoid the suffering they deserve. Be absolutely sure that the person requesting an Emergency Baptism is truly repentant.