Into the Household of God: A Presider's Manual for the Rite of Baptism in the Book of Alternative Services

A.J. Pell is the rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Diocese of New
Westminster, British Columbia.

In many denominations, baptism is changing. Influenced by liturgical
studies and a renewed concern for evangelism, churches are re-examining
and, at times, reinventing their traditional baptismal practices. This
book reflects the turmoil as it affects the Anglican Church of Canada.

Into the Household of God is more than just a how-to-do-it baptism book
for parish clergy. It is divided into three chapters. The introduction
examines both baptismal theology and practices, and argues for changes
that will better reflect the startling theological nature of baptism.
The other chapters, “Preparing for the Liturgy” and “Celebrating
the Liturgy,” are more directly concerned with practice, but with a
strong theological emphasis. Seven appendices cover everything from
music choices to possible themes for preaching.

In addition to the strong theological emphasis, the book has two other
strengths: Hart’s illustrations are clear, and ably illuminate the
text; and the author’s practical directions do not try to promote one
particular view, but rather offer alternatives. This allows readers to
reflect sound theology in their practices without surrendering their
local worship styles to a homogenized uniformity.