The Baptismal Covenant is God's word to us, proclaiming our adoption by grace,and or word to God, promising our response of faith and love. Those within the covenant consitute the community we call the Church, therefore, the services of the Baptismal Covenant are conducted during the public worship of the congregation where the person's membership is to be held, except in very unusal circumstances. If persons are to be baptised or confirmed at a special service rather than at a regular Sunday service, every effort should be made to secure attendance by the congregation.

The basic service of the Baptismal Covenant is Holy Baptism, by which we are incorporated into the Church, which is the body of Christ, and made one in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27-28). Because baptism initiates us into Christ's whole Church and not only into a denomination, United Methodists recognize all Christian baptisms and look upon baptism as something that should unite, rather than divide, Christians.

United Methodists may baptize by any of the modes used by Christians. Candidates or their parents have the choice of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.