Attended and LCMS this morning

[MrHollow]

Out of curiosity, 2 quick questions. As me and my fiancee are not yet married, is that a big deal for when we have our son baptized? It's a long story regarding our marriage, but we are getting it taken care of over the summer. Also, is it normal to only have new member classes only 2x a year? We, so far, are the only people for the classes, but have been told it won't be until September.

 

[LilLamb219]

Out of curiosity, 2 quick questions. As me and my fiancee are not yet married, is that a big deal for when we have our son baptized? It's a long story regarding our marriage, but we are getting it taken care of over the summer. Also, is it normal to only have new member classes only 2x a year? We, so far, are the only people for the classes, but have been told it won't be until September.

I doubt it would be an issue for the baptizing of your son...but the pastor might ask some questions. I think it depends on the pastor really.
Our pastor offers the classes about once a year unless there is a need for it. Once a year is generally sufficient and the classes are about 2 to 2 1/2 hours long and it is weekly for 8 weeks at my church.

 

[porterross]

Congrats on the wedding and getting your son baptised should be ASAP is the bigger issue of the two, methinks. What a blessed little life to have parents promising to raise him in God's Truth. Praise God for calling you all to Him and bestowing His Grace upon you.

Our pastor offers personal instruction whenever it's needed, according to his schedule. If September seems too far away (as it would to me) ask the pastor what books he would recommend you read in the meantime to help you better understand the doctrine and the Scripture it's based on.

 

[filosofer]

[FONT= "Book Antiqua"]
LilLamb is correct regarding baptism - it is a means of grace, not a law tool.

As for Adult Instruction, I could never manage more than two a year, because the classes are 21-26 weeks long with each session 90 minutes. Oh, I did conduct two at a time, one in the mornings for those working afternoon/night shift. The "regular" evening class had about 20 attending, and the morning class had about 10 attending. Worked well.

However, if the need arises, I can do a shortened version. But part of the catechesis is to develop a worship and Bible study life style that cannot be inculcated in an abbreviated time period.

In Christ's love,
filo
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[DaRev]

I think louder organ music is the answer.

Naw, naw.. they'd just talk louder.

 

[DaRev]

Out of curiosity, 2 quick questions. As me and my fiancee are not yet married, is that a big deal for when we have our son baptized? It's a long story regarding our marriage, but we are getting it taken care of over the summer. Also, is it normal to only have new member classes only 2x a year? We, so far, are the only people for the classes, but have been told it won't be until September.

Are you living together? That would be my concern regarding not being married yet. The sin issue needs to be resolved. Either move into seperate residences or get married immediately. You can get married now, and have the "wedding" anytime.

I would think that both of these issues should be discussed simultaneously. Part of the Baptism Rite is the promise to raise the child in the faith. A premarital living arrangement goes against the teaching of Scripture and the Church, which would make raising the child in the faith a bit difficult.

You should speak with the pastor of your church to see what he would require of you. I truly don't see him denying to Baptize your child, and that should be done as soon as is possible.