I want to be Baptised-What do I do?

[Bonhoffer]

I'm a very new Christian. In fact Jesus came into my life exactly two weeks and one day ago.

I am so excited about being born again that I want to go the whole hog to show my commitment to Christ.

This means that I want to go through the Baptism/Confirmation process. The only thing is that I dont have a clue how to go about it. I dont even know what a Baptism supposed to be like.

If someone here could explain things a little better then I would be most greatful.

All I want to say is that I am a 22 year old male, protestant (although not of a particular denomination) and I was never baptised as a child because my parents were/are agnostic.

Do the different churches do things differently? Do I have to pay? Will I have to be ducked under water or will I just have a few drops sprinkled over my head? :confused:

[Bonhoffer]

I'd still like to know..........

[kimber1]

hey there and welcome to God's family!!!!!!! :hug: it's going to depend on what denom you are really. are you attending church now? a member at a church? no you don't have to pay. yes, different churches do it differently, so that will be something you have to decide, which church you want to join. hope this helped some!

[cyberwing]

Dear one,
Baptism is being immersed in Protestant beliefs. It can be done by 'sprinkling' in Catholic churches although this used to be reserved for small infants.
I would suggest you read about baptism in the New Testament. That will give you the best understanding of what it is. If you have a church, they can baptise you or if you have a Godly mentor who is filled with The Holy Spirit they can baptise you. (John the Baptist) was not ordained by the local denomination, he was ordained by The Holy Spirit.
It is an outward symbol of your recognition of Jesus as Savior and Lord also submission to Jesus Christ's will for your life instead of your own.
The Christian walk is a personal journey. Although we come together to encourage and uplift one another in the Body of Christ, it is still a personal journey for each of us. Drawing into intimate relationship with our Wonderous Savior, Jesus! Coming to know Him better and better as we journey down the path of life. This is a stunning, spectacular choice you have made dear one. Jesus is the most amazing of any you will ever encounter! He truly IS the Son of God. He is all things HE claimed to be and MORE. You will only know this as you come into deeper relationship and fellowship with our LIVING Jesus! This is why it is so hard to share with others the joy, the peace the provison HE gives to His Bride (those who love Him and His Coming). Because all of this comes with deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.
If I can help you in any way, feel free to send me a PM. Welcome dear one, to the family of God!!!
:hug:~Cyberwing

[Bonhoffer]

Thank you to both of you. Its complicated because I live between two towns. I have been attending a Baptist Church whilst at college, but when I come home I've just been going to a non-denominational evangelical group.

[Stanfi]

First I would start attending a local church that I felt comfortable being a part of. Then approach the pastor and explain to him that you want to be batptized.

I attend a little country non denominatial chruch. There you just go tell the pastor, and we'll will pick a day and take you down to the creek and give you a good dunk.

It is a great thing to do in your spiritual growth, and I admire you for reaching out and wanting to take that next step.

[Bonhoffer]

For me Baptism will truly show my faith because I have always had a phobia of drowning!!

I used to bunk off school swimming lessons as a child because I was so scared of going underwater. However my faith in God should rectify this.

[water_ripple]

For me Baptism will truly show my faith because I have always had a phobia of drowning!!

I used to bunk off school swimming lessons as a child because I was so scared of going underwater. However my faith in God should rectify this.Hey I just got baptized two weeks ago! Firstly I would offer that you read John in the NT to find out what baptisim is all about. That and through prayer is how I came to realize how important this was. For me I desired the old way..full emersion..Also in the latter part of Romans Paul describes what baptisim further means. I would make the decision for where to get baptized through prayer, and asking the churches in your area how they view baptisim..and how they go about baptizing.

[Bonhoffer]

Thanks for the advice

[Blessed-one]

baptism is a sign of showing the world that you're committed to walking in God's way, committed to Him, committed to being a christian.

in my church, classes are offered twice a year for any who want to get baptised, and during the course, they can decide to drop out or not (some people do). Attending the classes ask you a really personal question, so yes, get to a church, and see what procedures they have.

[Big Jase]

all you need to know is..that jesus got baptised... and so should you...lol

[RAF]

Bonhoffer, congratulations and welcome to you as a new brother in Christ. I was recently baptized at my church (about 4 or 5 months ago). First, though you don't mention it in your post, are you presently attending a church? If so, and you like the church, simply call the church offices and tell them what you'd like to do. They will set a date/time and may/may not ask you to attend a class first. Mine did not. If you don't currently attend a church, start visiting some. It may take awhile for you to find one that really interest you, or you may get lucky and find one right off. Each church has its own way of baptizing. My family and I attend a Nazarene Church, and our Pastor totally immerses you in a small pool, right after saying a very nice prayer. Other churches may opt to simply dunk your head in water or sprinkle water on your head. I don't know if there's any "right/wrong" way to do it. Good luck and God Bless you.

[thereselittleflower]

Hi Bonhoffer - congratulations on entering into faith in Christ!

What is helpful to know about Baptism is that there are different views among the churches . . some see it as unessential and even discourage it, some see it as merely as symbol but not necessary, some see it as merely a symbol but necessary to be obedient to Chris,. and others see it as absolutely essential, and more than a symbol, but as sacrament that initiates you fully into the New Convenant with all its blessings and which infuses your being with God's Grace..

A sacrament is a a method of bestowing God's Grace in a specific and powerful way . .

Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Episcopals see it as a sacrament, and the foundational sacrament (they also see marriage as a sacrament that infuses special graces into the union of a man and wife)

So, you are feeling the need and desire for baptism . . that is very good :)

A sacramentally valid baptism is done with water and In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit . .(this is important as if it is done in just the name of Jesus, it is not seen as sacramentally valid). . .

Anyone can baptize you, and if done according to the formula above, it is a sacrament and special grace is given to you to help you live the Christian life .

Now many Protestant groups do not see it this way, but if you talk to a Lutheran pastor, or an Episcopal priest (protestant denominations), as long as they are not liberals who do not hold to their church's original teachings, they will be able to explain this to you. A Catholic priest can also explain this to you and how it relates to the other sacraments and life in the Church.

This will be a very special moment for you . . the angels in heaven are rejoicing! :)


Peace in Him!