Editing Church of the Brethren (section)

=== Believer's baptism ===
The Brethren believe that [[believer's baptism]] is an outward sign of an inward experience of salvation. Hence, baptism is not performed until one is able to understand and accept the message of the gospel, typically at about age 13. In the early years of the denomination, the age at baptism was generally older. The mode of baptism is trine (three times) immersion in a forward direction in the Name of the Father, and in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit.  This is followed by laying on of hands for the impartation of the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]].

In the early years of the church, people coming into the Church of the Brethren from other denominations were expected to be rebaptized. Today, most congregations will receive members by reaffirmation of faith or by letter of transfer from another congregation or denomination.