Building on a firm theological foundation of the gift and grace that is baptism, this book walks pastors through almost fifty case studies drawn from real life around the world, from the run-of-the-mill to the marginal, from the everyday cases to the God-forbid cases. Honing their skills of discernment in this way, pastors will return to their baptismal ministry with a renewed sense of vigor, commitment, and joy in the task of baptizing all the nations in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Case Studies included in this book:

1.0 Validity
1.01 In the name of the Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier
1.02 In the name of Jesus
1.03 In a substance other than water
1.04 Quantity of water
1.05 Doesn't know and can't find out if ever baptized
1.06 Layperson during emergency
1.07 Layperson during non-emergency
1.08 Self-administered
1.09 Denominational double duty
1.10 Apostate or immoral baptizer
1.11 Convert from the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
1.12 Convert from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
1.13 Convert from the Jehovah's Witnesses
1.14 Convert from Unitarian Universalism
1.15 Convert from Oneness Pentecostalism
1.16 Convert from the Church of Christ, Scientist
1.17 Syncretistic baptism
1.18 "The first time didn't count"
1.19 After "debaptism"
1.20 Convert out of and back into Christianity

2.0 Integrity of Witness
2.01 Inactive or unbelieving parents request baptism for their child
2.02 Godparents uncatechized, indifferent, or unbelievers
2.03 Private baptism
2.04 Special-request baptizer
2.05 Family pressure
2.06 Baptism required for employment
2.07 Instant baptism
2.08 Stunt baptism
2.09 Novelty baptism
2.10 Virtual baptism
2.11 Destination baptism
2.12 Special water
2.13 Renewal of baptismal vows

3.0 Safety and Permission
3.01 Secret baptism
3.02 Adult forbidden baptism by the state
3.03 Suspected insincere request
3.04 Adult forbidden baptism by parents or spouse
3.05 Parents disagree over baptism of child
3.06 Child forbidden baptism by parents
3.07 Teen forbidden baptism by parents
3.08 Caretaker other than parents requests baptism for child
3.09 Refugee hoping to increase chances of asylum
3.10 Jew seeking political protection
3.11 Stillbirth, miscarriage, and at-risk pregnancy
3.12 Intellectually disabled person
3.13 Comatose or insentient person
3.14 Household or tribal baptism
3.15 Acute medical risk from human contact
3.16 Epidemic conditions