Baptism

[Kehaar]

Hello all

I wanted to ask about something about baptism. I have not yet been baptised (but hopefully one day soon...) or actually ever seen an adult baptism. I was therefore a little curious if it's expected that those being baptised give testimony on that day....or is it left up to the individual to decide if they want to share?

thanks,

Astral

 

[pgmike]

i think it really depends on the venue, baptiser and you. i have been to churches where they do give their testimony and ive been to ones where they dont. really tho, i think that it is benificial to give your testimony at your baptism.

 

[Knight]

Our church typically has testimonies. However, this is simply a practice that we've adopted. There is absolutely no Biblical mandate for this. No one is forced to present a testimony.

 

[bliz]

You'd need to check with your local church to find out how they do baptism.

However, you can always ask to include your testimony. While you are at it, asking how adult baptism is done in your church. Some sprinkle and some dunk, sometimes it is in a special service, sometimes included in a regular service, sometimes there are receptions afterwards for adults... how many churches are there? There are about that many variations.

 

[HeatherJay]

Well, my church tends to do group baptisms. We baptise with immersion (unless someone requests another method) in a beautiful little creek. We have a short sermon and then one by one, those who wish to will come forward to be baptised. The pastor (with help from the assistent pastor) puts one hand behind your neck and the other over a folded cloth covering your nose and mouth and says, "I baptise you, **insert name**, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." And then he dunks you backwards under the water and pulls you up. I've never heard anyone testify, but I'm sure if someone wanted to no one would think it strange. Ask around and find out what's customary in your church.

Then after the baptisms we all go and have a huge potluck meal together. We Nazarenes do love our potlucks.

 

[Toddbert]

My own baptism was done at our easter vigil, and was quite a beautiful experience. Being Episcopalian, there are no testimonies, as it is a set sacrament. As others have suggested, ask your church. May it be a beautiful and happy time for you-- baptism is a moment of great joy, for you, your congregation, and for God.

 

[NJA]

Baptism is you responding to God's call to you to turn from your past and make way for Him and the Life he wants to show to you and through you.
Your testimony from others will then be God's nature, with his mind and understanding in you, in the weeks that follow (assuming that you also receive the Holy Spirit, the New Life - see Acts 8v12-16, 19v1-6).

 

[Jezus_Phish]

Hmm... on this, I have another question. I was baptized as a baby (as is traditional in the Catholic faith), but as I've strayed from God then came back just three months ago, would I need to be rebaptized? For some reason I feel a need to... just 'cause I was so young the first time. ::shrugs:: Anyone ever go through that?

OHH! And I don't belong to a specific church. Should I be? ...??? LOL! ::

 

[Toddbert]

That all depends-- Not very helpful, I know. If you are changing to say, the Baptist faith, they will probably ask that you be rebaptized. If you are returning to the Catholic church, then no, obviously. Some denominations also will allow you to be 'rebaptized' as an adult-- or offer 'confirmations'.

As to belonging to a 'specific church', well, that's something between you and God. Visit some churches-- pray. The Holy Spirit will likely move you in the right direction.

 

[Jezus_Phish]

Definitely. ^.^ Thanks a lot. And I don't know if I'll be returning to the Catholic church... but again, as you said, that'll involve prayer. ::grins::