where can I be Baptized as a non-denominational Christian?

[Emma677]

I am a new Christian and after doing a lot of research into different denominations I understand that I am being called to being non-denominational. I am currently attending a church/fellowship with a very small Anabaptist group but am not eligible for church membership (and hence Baptism). I don't know of any churches where I can be Baptized without becoming a member of their denomination.

I am feeling strongly convicted that I should be Baptized. It feels like the right thing to do. Can anyone direct me where/how I can be Baptized without joining a denomination?

By the way, I have already been told by some that my question alone indicates that "I don't understand Baptism" and that "Baptism means joining a particular church body." I don't think that fits with what I read in scripture or my inner conviction which I believe God has placed in my heart. If you also think I am misunderstanding, please be gentle in your responses and explain it to me.

Thank you!

 

[washedagain]

Hi Emma, find yourself a good bible based non denom and they will baptize you.

Our church baptizes non members... all one needs is a profession of faith and a desire to serve the Lord and an understanding of what the Gospel is and who Jesus is and what He has done for you and you can be baptized.

Simple, just like they used to do it in the first church... profess, repent and go and get baptized.

By the way, welcome to the family of God!

Baptism never means joining a particular church body... whoever told you that are wrong. There is nothing in scripture that says you must be baptized into a particular church body... you are already added to the body of Christ upon your faith in JEsus.... people say all kinds of cooky things.

 

[Life2Christ]

I got baptized by a non-denominational church. You do not have to be a member. Any church that wants you to be a member before being baptized is not the one for you.

 

[miamited]

Hi emma,

I agree with the previous posts and, yes, you must be baptized. Mark 16:16. Jesus explains that we must be baptized, but that it is not baptism alone that allows for our salvation, but baptism coupled with faith. Peter also confirms this in the book of Acts, chapter 2. Jesus also confirms in the last chapter of Matthew that that is exactly what we are supposed to do. Baptize those who profess new faith and then disciple them in the faith.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Emma677]

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but how does one go about finding non-denominational churches? Do I just call the churches and ask them? Is there a directory somewhere. Are there certain names of churches that tend to be non-denominational.

Thank you. This is important to me and I don't mind calling around, but I'm not sure exactly what to ask or who to start calling. I appreciate the feedback.

And I agree with what you have all said.

 

[miamited]

Hi emma,

The yellowpages generally list fellowships by their denomination. Of course, that's assuming you live in the states.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[pdudgeon]

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but how does one go about finding non-denominational churches? Do I just call the churches and ask them? Is there a directory somewhere. Are there certain names of churches that tend to be non-denominational.

Thank you. This is important to me and I don't mind calling around, but I'm not sure exactly what to ask or who to start calling. I appreciate the feedback.

And I agree with what you have all said.

look for a church with "Community" in it's name. usually a dead giveaway that they are looking to reach a broad segment of members, and are non-denominational.

 

[washedagain]

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but how does one go about finding non-denominational churches? Do I just call the churches and ask them? Is there a directory somewhere. Are there certain names of churches that tend to be non-denominational.

Thank you. This is important to me and I don't mind calling around, but I'm not sure exactly what to ask or who to start calling. I appreciate the feedback.

And I agree with what you have all said.

Google non denominational church in your area... a directory should pop up.... I suggest that you visit as many as you can in your area... go for at least 3 4 weeks in a row to each one (don't let this stop you from going ahead and getting baptized, although waiting is not going to do a thing to your salvation. You don't get saved by getting wet.. you get saved by grace, through grace in Jesus Christ. If you wanna wait to get baptized in a place that you want to call your church home, you can wait. But take your time looking..... find out what kind of ministries the focus on, see how closely they look like the church in acts as far as ministry, doctrine, discipline.

 

[Chyke4real]

Good to know you have accepted liberation from God through Jesus, the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, you must walk with God in faith, courage and Love. Personally i don't think you need a church to get baptized, although you might need one to fellowship with like minded people. A brother (christian) can baptize you as long as you believe in what you've heard or read. Finally, as Peter said, you must make your election sure, and that you do by been fruitful in the service of the LORD. God will do the rest for you.

 

[Emma677]

Thank you all for your responses. I am actually very happy with the fellowship I have found at the small mission church I am currently attending, but I do not think I can be Baptized there. I will call around to some non-denominational churches in my area and ask to speak to someone about Baptism.

I apologize if I am not using the right language to describe things - I was not brought up Christian and a lot of the vocabulary is new for me. It is hard to translate my feelings into the right words.

Thanks

 

[miamited]

Hi emma,

Just a thought about your response. You write that you don't 'think' so. Have you spoken to your pastor about your testimony and asked if you can be baptized. Most fellowships nowadays will baptize someone without them having to be an 'on the roll' member. Baptizing is something that is done for Jesus and there is no condemnation if someone is baptized and their faith turns out not to be real faith, so I'm curious why they would hesitate. It doesn't make that fellowship or the pastor thereof personally responsible for your eternal place.

As we read through the new covenant, and you might point this out to your pastor if he should balk, most of the baptisms were merely done between two believers. John baptized perhaps hundreds and maybe thousands, but that didn't make him responsible for their continued faithfulness. A lot of people have been baptized and aren't particularly faithful. I'm one! I was baptized as a teenager and quite frankly I could have cared less about the Lord and God for many, many years. When I was born again I requested re-baptism, or as I put it personally, true baptism. There is also no condemnation spoken of for any second baptism. I think it is especially true today if your parents are church 'attenders' that they take a sort of pride in seeing their little Johnnie baptized. They really don't particularly care about whether he really understands what he is doing. So, many children are baptized and as they grow and mature they find that they really aren't particularly concerned or really knowledgeable about what they have committed to.

I often encourage people who are in my situation to receive a true 'believers' baptism. In some denominations the pressure for children to be baptized can be great and, sadly it's done as a formal practice or 'rite of passage' kind of event. As with anything with God, He is looking at our heart. He doesn't care that some parent thinks it's the right thing to do for little Johnnie. He wants little Johnnie's heart in the matter.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Emma677]

Ted,

Thank you for your thoughtful responses. It is a complicated situation I think at the church I am currently attending. 1) they don't really have a pastor at present. Two of the male church members are sharing preaching responsibilities, but I think they are hoping to get a pastor. 2) They are currently unaffiliated but have historically (and many of the members are) affiliated with either the Beachy Amish or Conservative Mennonites. They are hoping to reestablish affiliation with the Beachy Amish. My husband was previously married and divorced. Based on this most Conservative Mennonites and Beachy Amish churches will deny someone membership (and hence presumably Baptism). Given that this is a mission church and very small, I'm not really sure what they will say. I don't think Anabaptists in general will do just a believer's Baptism, separate from joining and agreeing to abide by the community rules (including no remarriage). But I don't know.

They have definitely made me welcome and don't seem to take "membership" as seriously as helping people come into a saving relationship with Christ. I will ask someone tomorrow and see what they say. It can't go worse than my last inquiry.

 

[JodyGirl]

Look in the phone book, under non-denominational/charismatic churches. That should help you to find one to get baptized in. And call the one that you can attend to (and that's not very far from you) and ask them when they do baptisicms. I hope that helped you...God bless you & I'll pray for you to find the one.

 

[revrobor]

You may be baptized by any fellow Believer in a lake, river, bathtub or any other suitable body of water. You do not need to be a "member" of any church. You're a member of the Church (the Body of Believers).