By Water and the Spirit, Revised Study Guide: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism

What does it mean to belong to God through baptism? This practical study guide for By Water and the Spirit explores The United Methodist Church's official teaching on baptism and aims to equip individuals and groups to grow in lifelong discipleship by bringing clarity to common questions about how United Methodists understand and practice baptism.

In this companion resource, Mark Stamm, a leading expert on interpreting the Church's teaching, expands on the work of the late Gayle Carlton Felton and invites individuals and groups to engage deeply with the meaning, practice, and lifelong significance of baptism.

Specifically designed to be a document for practical use rather than a presentation of abstract theology, the guide is organized into six teaching sessions. Each session contains three types of material: the original text of By Water and the Spirit approved by the General Conference, commentary on that text, and suggestions for how to teach about it.

Designed for use in congregations and classrooms alike, this study edition includes:

• The full official text of By Water and the Spirit
• Accessible commentary to illuminate key themes and theological insights
• Practical teaching guidance for pastors, small group leaders, and educators
• Six structured sessions for group study or personal reflection

Ideal for new member classes, confirmation, small groups, and leadership development; this resource serves as both a teaching tool and a spiritual invitation.

More than a study, this is an opportunity to reclaim baptism as a living reality—one that shapes our identity, grounds our faith, and calls us into a life of discipleship and ministry.

Rediscover the grace given in water and through the Spirit along with what it means to live as Christ's own, today and always.

This study guide includes the full text of By Water and the Spirit: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism, adopted by the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Gayle Carlton Felton, a clergy member of the North Carolina Annual Conference, was a consultant to the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship and served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Reconciling Congregation Program. She was the author of The Coming of Jesus, This Gift of Water, and By Water and the Spirit.


A retired member of the faculty of Duke Divinity School, she lived in Rougemont, North Carolina, where she continued her work as a writer, consultant, and speaker. Her contributions to the church and to the understanding and interpretation of the sacraments continue to shape and inspire.

Mark Stamm is Assistant Professor of Christian Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX), and former pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Roaring Spring, PA, as well as rural churches in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Abbot of the Order of Saint Luke, he has taught pastors and laity in a wide variety of annual conference, retreat, and congregational settings.