Baptisms

[ATLJag]

I recently joined another church and have been told about New Member Classes. That is not unusual to me since just about every church that I have been a member of has had that. However, I was also told that the church wants all new members to be baptized again to "show that they are under a new covenant".

I have been baptized twice (long story) and honestly do not feel that I should have to do so again unless it is at my own discretion. I have been through a "forced" baptism scenario before and I do not agree with it whatsoever. Am I just being evil, or am I within my rights to choose not to be baptized again unless I ask for it?

 

[Warndalyn]

I've never heard of this before...I always thought, once you were baptized, that was it. I don't know anyone that's been baptized more than once.

 

[Shamocha]

I've been in churches where they ask you to be baptized again. To me it always felt like they were saying my 1st baptism didn't take or something. I didn't like the idea of that.

 

[Killer Bees]

I recently joined another church and have been told about New Member Classes. That is not unusual to me since just about every church that I have been a member of has had that. However, I was also told that the church wants all new members to be baptized again to "show that they are under a new covenant".

I have been baptized twice (long story) and honestly do not feel that I should have to do so again unless it is at my own discretion. I have been through a "forced" baptism scenario before and I do not agree with it whatsoever. Am I just being evil, or am I within my rights to choose not to be baptized again unless I ask for it?

What kind of church is the new church and what kind of church is the one you are coming from?

 

[ATLJag]

I've been in churches where they ask you to be baptized again. To me it always felt like they were saying my 1st baptism didn't take or something. I didn't like the idea of that.

Back when I was 16 and I joined a Baptist church, the Reverend told me that I would have to get re-baptized since my first baptism was not at a Baptist church (my first baptism was at the Methodist church that my parents were members of when I was very young). I didn't agree with that at all, but since he told me that in front of the church during service I wasn't going to argue with him in front of the membership. I reluctantly got baptized again and honestly didn't feel anything since my heart wasn't in it from jump. My mother and I both ended up leaving that church a few months later for unrelated reasons.

I have pretty much answered my own question with this current scenario and have decided to move my membership elsewhere. I accepted Christ as my savior as a child and although I am not perfect I have never forgotten my faith or my beliefs. As a result, I will have to look elsewhere for a church home.

This is not a "new" type of church. Actually, it is a satellite church of a much larger church here in Metro Atlanta (I will be nice and not put the name out there). I was once a member of the much larger church and didn't face this issue when I joined.

 

[ATLJag]

What kind of church is the new church and what kind of church is the one you are coming from?

The last church that I was a member of was an A.M.E church, but this church never asked me where I last held membership or where I last attended church.

 

[dacontinent]

You are certainly within your rights to make the choice. Is there anything wrong with being baptized the 500th time? No. It is a public declaration and an ordinance the same as communion. It won't hurt you. It does not nullify any baptism that you have had before.

If this is the church that God has directed you to become a part of, I suggest that you do it simply as an act of your goodwill.

 

[BulldogM.Ed.23]

This is exactly why we have different denominations. Everyone has their own interpretation of certain ordinances and how it should be carried out. I don't think God planned it that way, yet as Paul writes in one of his many letters, this is what has happened..............What I would do is pray, then simply go back and read scriptures on baptism. Ask God to give you revelation regarding those scriptures. If you don't feel lead to do what has been asked for you, it may be best for you to find another church where you are in agreement with their theology,doctrine, & etc.

 

[Killer Bees]

The last church that I was a member of was an A.M.E church, but this church never asked me where I last held membership or where I last attended church.

I can only speak coming from my background (Church of Christ). I don't really practice it now all that much. If you came from an A.M.E, you would definitely be required to get baptised again. I guess because the CoC see's itself as THE church. Also, if I am not mistaken, the A.M.E church perform sprinkling as a form of baptism. In the CoC, sprinkling is not considered a form of real baptism. The CoC performs submerging water baptism only. There are bible verses on this stuff, but I am not an expert. This is just one example of why some churches may want you to get baptise again.

 

[ATLJag]

I can only speak coming from my background (Church of Christ). I don't really practice it now all that much. If you came from an A.M.E, you would definitely be required to get baptised again. I guess because the CoC see's itself as THE church. Also, if I am not mistaken, the A.M.E church perform sprinkling as a form of baptism. In the CoC, sprinkling is not considered a form of real baptism. The CoC performs submerging water baptism only. There are bible verses on this stuff, but I am not an expert. This is just one example of why some churches may want you to get baptise again.

I was never baptized at the A.M.E church. My first baptism was at a Methodist church and the second one was at a Baptist church. Both were full water immersion.

 

[str8brave]

Baptism is just a means of identifying with the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ. You can get baptized as many times as you would like, but if your heart is not in it, I don't see the purpose.

 

[SLT]

Baptism is just a means of identifying with the death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ. You can get baptized as many times as you would like, but if your heart is not in it, I don't see the purpose.

:tup:

 

[silentrage]

I don't think you should be forced into a baptism. If you feel the need to be baptized then you do so of your own free will.

 

[CriTAUcal]

You can get baptized as many times as you would like, but if your heart is not in it, I don't see the purpose.

I agree.

And I don't think it should be something that's forced (required) either. What church is this?

 

[ATLJag]

I agree.

And I don't think it should be something that's forced (required) either. What church is this?

I said that I wasn't going to put the name out there, but I may as well since some others are here in Metro Atlanta as well.

This is New Birth North in Marietta. Oddly enough, when I was a member of the main location under Eddie Long they never even suggested that we get baptized again. You only got baptized or re-baptized if you asked for it. Since the affiliate churches have their own pastors, I think they pretty much do things as they see fit since I don't believe that New Birth South asks or tells new members to get baptized again either.

After giving it some more thought, I have decided to move my membership elsewhere. I will be visiting some churches and I will take my time before making another rash decision as to which church to join.

 

[CriTAUcal]

Let God direct you. Seek Him.

And did this church give a valid reason as to why new members are required to partake in Baptisms? Maybe they have a reason that's legit that I don't understand.

And New Birth has different locations? Wow....

 

[Springs]

New converts should be encouraged to be baptized, but if a person has informed the new church that they have already been baptized then that should suffice. Whether it's sprinkle, dunk or pour, "in Jesus' name" or "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" the more important aspect is whether the person has given their life to Christ (salvation).

 

[ATLJag]

Here's a quick update:

The Pastor from this church called me last night to talk to me about the upcoming New Members Class. After discussing that, he asked me when was the last time that I was baptized. I told him that I was baptized as a child and then again when when I was 16. He asked me hold old I was now and I told him that I will be 30 next month. He then stated that he feels that it is time for me to get baptized again. I told him that I didn't agree because I was taught that once saved, always saved. He told me that it wasn't about salvation, it was about rededication. He then stated that he has rededicated his life several times and that included getting baptized again a couple of times. I told him that with all due respect I would have to disagree with him and decline his invitation. He then went on to say, "Well, when you joined the church you agreed to submit to God and to submit to the Pastor. I want you to pray about it and then about your decision".

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not recall reading or hearing anything about submitting to a man, Pastor or not. I have no problem with submitting to Christ, but Christ has not put it on my heart to get re-baptized. In addition, I do not feel the need to "rededicate" my life to Christ when I have not strayed from the path. I am not perfect, but even when I was out doing wrong I was still a Christian, I still prayed, I still read the Bible, and I still did the best that I felt that I could do and asked for forgiveness when I knew I was in the wrong. Therefore, I do not feel that at this point in my life I need "rededicate" when it is apparent to nearly everyone who comes into contact with me that I am a Christian, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, and have never turned my back on my faith.

I am sure some of the clergymen on the board will disagree with my thoughts, but my position to leave this particular church alone stands. I will continue my search for another church home.

 

[Killer Bees]

"Well, when you joined the church you agreed to submit to God and to submit to the Pastor. I want you to pray about it and then about your decision".

That sounds like a red flag to me.

 

[dacontinent]

Here's a quick update:

... He then went on to say, "Well, when you joined the church you agreed to submit to God and to submit to the Pastor. I want you to pray about it and then about your decision".

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not recall reading or hearing anything about submitting to a man, Pastor or not...

To me, it reads like you joined the church and part of the church's dialogue in receiving members is the commitment in bold above. Most churches have a script that is quoted in no uncertain terms when receiving members. My guess is that it was given to you and you missed the clause. So, if you are going to continue looking, please tender your resignation in writing so all the records can be cleaned-up.

As a pastor I watch for the souls of those who join our church. We have a shepherd-sheep relationship. To cut to the chase, one cannot pastor people who are not submitted. That does not mean that the people don't have a brain, a conscience, or are not led by God. It does not mean that people should go around and blindly do what the pastor tells them because the pastor can be wrong sometimes, too. What is does mean is that there needs to be a genuine trust that the pastor is being led by God and his methods and/or practices do not contradict the scriptures. So, if you are not going to be submitted to a pastor, then you will lose some of the benefit of the Christian walk.

In receiving applications for membership at our church, the new prospect has a personal interview with me and takes part in an introductory course that lets them know who we are and what we are about - including the shepherd-sheep relationship. At the completion we find out if the prospect is still interested in becoming a member. If so, they are presented before the church and the church then makes a commit to them as well.

I do recommend that you identify and ministry and pastor that you can be submitted to and then submit yourself.

Jer 3:14-15

14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer 23:1-2
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. 2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD

Heb 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Eph 4:11-16

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
KJV

 

[silentrage]

I think you are wise to continue to look for another church home. I hope you find a church that suits your needs.

Here's a quick update:

The Pastor from this church called me last night to talk to me about the upcoming New Members Class. After discussing that, he asked me when was the last time that I was baptized. I told him that I was baptized as a child and then again when when I was 16. He asked me hold old I was now and I told him that I will be 30 next month. He then stated that he feels that it is time for me to get baptized again. I told him that I didn't agree because I was taught that once saved, always saved. He told me that it wasn't about salvation, it was about rededication. He then stated that he has rededicated his life several times and that included getting baptized again a couple of times. I told him that with all due respect I would have to disagree with him and decline his invitation. He then went on to say, "Well, when you joined the church you agreed to submit to God and to submit to the Pastor. I want you to pray about it and then about your decision".

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not recall reading or hearing anything about submitting to a man, Pastor or not. I have no problem with submitting to Christ, but Christ has not put it on my heart to get re-baptized. In addition, I do not feel the need to "rededicate" my life to Christ when I have not strayed from the path. I am not perfect, but even when I was out doing wrong I was still a Christian, I still prayed, I still read the Bible, and I still did the best that I felt that I could do and asked for forgiveness when I knew I was in the wrong. Therefore, I do not feel that at this point in my life I need "rededicate" when it is apparent to nearly everyone who comes into contact with me that I am a Christian, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, and have never turned my back on my faith.

I am sure some of the clergymen on the board will disagree with my thoughts, but my position to leave this particular church alone stands. I will continue my search for another church home.

 

[docmump]

Heb 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

There it is..

 

[Fortitude]

Here's a quick update:

The Pastor from this church called me last night to talk to me about the upcoming New Members Class. After discussing that, he asked me when was the last time that I was baptized. I told him that I was baptized as a child and then again when when I was 16. He asked me hold old I was now and I told him that I will be 30 next month. He then stated that he feels that it is time for me to get baptized again. I told him that I didn't agree because I was taught that once saved, always saved. He told me that it wasn't about salvation, it was about rededication. He then stated that he has rededicated his life several times and that included getting baptized again a couple of times. I told him that with all due respect I would have to disagree with him and decline his invitation. He then went on to say, "Well, when you joined the church you agreed to submit to God and to submit to the Pastor. I want you to pray about it and then about your decision".

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not recall reading or hearing anything about submitting to a man, Pastor or not. I have no problem with submitting to Christ, but Christ has not put it on my heart to get re-baptized. In addition, I do not feel the need to "rededicate" my life to Christ when I have not strayed from the path. I am not perfect, but even when I was out doing wrong I was still a Christian, I still prayed, I still read the Bible, and I still did the best that I felt that I could do and asked for forgiveness when I knew I was in the wrong. Therefore, I do not feel that at this point in my life I need "rededicate" when it is apparent to nearly everyone who comes into contact with me that I am a Christian, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, and have never turned my back on my faith.

I am sure some of the clergymen on the board will disagree with my thoughts, but my position to leave this particular church alone stands. I will continue my search for another church home.

Baby Boo, that doesn't sound like the church for you! Prayerfully continue your search. :tup:

 

[MsJag4Jag]

Ephesians 4
Unity in the Body of Christ
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

 

[ATLJag]

To me, it reads like you joined the church and part of the church's dialogue in receiving members is the commitment in bold above. Most churches have a script that is quoted in no uncertain terms when receiving members. My guess is that it was given to you and you missed the clause. So, if you are going to continue looking, please tender your resignation in writing so all the records can be cleaned-up.

As a pastor I watch for the souls of those who join our church. We have a shepherd-sheep relationship. To cut to the chase, one cannot pastor people who are not submitted. That does not mean that the people don't have a brain, a conscience, or are not led by God. It does not mean that people should go around and blindly do what the pastor tells them because the pastor can be wrong sometimes, too. What is does mean is that there needs to be a genuine trust that the pastor is being led by God and his methods and/or practices do not contradict the scriptures. So, if you are not going to be submitted to a pastor, then you will lose some of the benefit of the Christian walk.

In receiving applications for membership at our church, the new prospect has a personal interview with me and takes part in an introductory course that lets them know who we are and what we are about - including the shepherd-sheep relationship. At the completion we find out if the prospect is still interested in becoming a member. If so, they are presented before the church and the church then makes a commit to them as well.

I do recommend that you identify and ministry and pastor that you can be submitted to and then submit yourself.

Jer 3:14-15

14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Jer 23:1-2
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. 2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD

Heb 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Eph 4:11-16

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
KJV

Which denomination (if any) is your church under?