| If water was applied to that child in the name of the Triune God, there would be no need for a pastor to repeat the baptism. Where the name of the Triune God is applied with water, baptism is valid no matter who performs it. Certainly, there still is wisdom in having an affirmation of that baptism in church as the prayers of the congregation are raised to God on behalf of that child and his/her baptism is publicly acknowledged, but there would be no need to repeat the actual baptism. It is valid. This answer is given with the understanding that the parent took the above action because of a concern for the health of his/her child. This is what we usually call "emergency baptism." While baptism does not need a pastor's hand to be valid, yet as royal priests of God we have entrusted the regular public administration of the sacraments to our called pastors. It is not a question of the validity of the baptism, but rather of good order and respect for the call extended by the congregation. |