My first dunk!

[wheredaluv]

I will be performing my first baptism the first Sun. in Nov. Any tips?
I cant wait. What a joy to baptize two young ladies from the youth group!! These young ladies have come a long way and are carrying the cross for Christ!

 

[Autumnleaf]

Tell them not to wear white and use warm water.

 

[Father Rick]

What method do you use to baptize (immersion, pouring,etc)? I would assume immersion since your icon says Baptist.

If by immersion, a few things to make certain of...

1) Make certain you're far enough over that you're not going to hit their heads on the baptismal tank when they go back.

2) Have them hold their nose with one hand. They should hold the wrist of the arm holding their nose with the other hand. That will make it much easier on them, and give you a 'handle' to hold to direct them down and back up. (if this sounds complicated, just look in the mirror and do this to yourself-- it'll make perfect sense when you see it.)

3) Place one hand on their back, the other hand on the arm now sticking up in front of them-- this will give you plenty of control so that they don't get 'dropped'.

4) Tell them to let you direct them, instead of them trying to 'help' and just plop back.

5) Make certain the water is about waist deep or a little deeper-- the water will provide plenty of bouyancy and help you lift them back up in place.

6) If you don't have any set liturgy that you use, such a recitation of the Baptismal Covenant, (and I don't know of many Baptists that do), it's nice to have them share a very brief testimony (2 minutes or so) once they are in the water before you baptize them. If you want to do this, let them know in advance so they can prepare.


I hope I'm not overwhelming you with too many things to think about. It's actually easier to do it than tell someone else how...

Let us know how things go!!

 

[4square]

Just dont hold them under too long

- Chris.

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

I see I am too late how was it?

 

[wheredaluv]

1) Make certain you're far enough over that you're not going to hit their heads on the baptismal tank when they go back.

It wont be the first time Ive seen that happen.

Sorry I didnt respond sooner. Been pretty busy lately. Everything went well. There are now 2 more sisters in Christ that have been baptized. WHen i layed the first one back into the water i almost slipped but managed to stay in control. The girls were a little nervous as was I but all went well. I praise the Lord for having the priveledge to baptize.

 

[Silent Enigma]

Congrats.

 

[PreacherMan4U]

Speaking of first dunks...

The first time I performed an immersion baptism, was also the first time I used waders. Well, I assisted the first baptismal candidate into the baptismal pool, went through the liturgy, and as I placed her under I tipped too far over. Water came flooding into my waders! I finished the baptisms then realized I couldn't get out of the baptismal pool! I dismissed the congregation, except for the Deacons. They had to drain the water out and lay me down for the water to drain from the waders. It was an experience I'll never forget. And that's been over 20 years ago!!

Mike

 

[SecretAdmirer]

congrats to you!