So I think I am a Baptist

[Anti-Fear]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

 

[OracleX]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

Find a church where you are comfortable and you are being fed. There are many different kinds of Baptist churchs and the most important things is are you going to be fed there and can you serve there. If you have a family then you need to keep them in mind as well.

As for baptism. Most Baptist churchs require baptism before you are accepted as a member. But you don't need to be a member of the church to attend and grow and serve.

[bible]Mark 16:16[/bible]

Baptism is what Christ has asked us to do. We are to believe then be baptized. Not being baptized does not mean you are not saved though. Being saved is based on you believing in God.

 

[BT]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

It makes the most sense to me too .

Check your phone book. Look for other Baptist churches and call the pastor. Talk to him for a bit over the phone, he'll probably offer to visit.

No, you don't need to be baptised before you go to a baptist church. If you chose, some time down the road to be baptised they will oblige but they won't force you and they won't bar you from the church if you haven't been.

All the best.

 

[TwinCrier]

When I attended a church in NC the pastor once got a phone call from someone wanting to know if our church would mind having a blac family attend. Of course they were more than welcome. I'm sure you'll find a church to call home before you know it.

 

[daveleau]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

Go where you will feel comfortable, but do not base this on social issues but on where the Holy Spirit guides you. That is the best comfort level to rely on.

While Baptist churches are often very close to Biblical in teaching, check and make sure that the pastor that you are listening to is giving good contextually-based preaching. Try to find one that sticks to the Bible and does not simply mention the verse at the beginning, making it kind of like the National Anthem at a baseball game, where it starts everything off and is never heard from again. Every denomination has its good and bad churches.

Pray for guidance and the Lord will send you where He wants you to be.

God bless you on your choice to go to church! It is the second biggest decision you can make in life! (First being Salvation. )

Dave

 

[BT]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

Anti-Fear it just occurred to me that if you would like to share your city or state with us there might be someone here who is near to you and would be willing to bring you to their church or recommend one that is close.

Just a thought....

 

[Sinai]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

If you wish to read a bit more on basic Baptist beliefs, you might check out the relatively small (only 176 pages) book Beliefs Important to Baptists (2001, Baptistway Press).

I also suggest that you visit several Baptist churches in your area, compare them, and pray about where God is leading you. If one or two of those churches appear to be good fits for you (and your family, if applicable), visit both the sunday school (possibly several different classes) and the worship services on both Sunday morning and Sunday evening. You might even try out activities and services on other days before deciding which is the right church for you. And as others have suggested, you may also want to visit with the pastor or other staff members.

Although Baptists have historically believed that baptism is not essential for salvation, most Baptist churches require that one have been through believer's baptism prior to becoming a member of the church (though you may generally join other church organizations without actually being a member of the church itself).

 

[SumTinWong]

I have read and researched and so far Baptist theology makes most sense to me and seems to focus on personal relationship to and accountability to God the most.

What should be my first step? I am scared to go to closest Baptist church because its all African Americans there, and they might not like me coming there.

Your first step should be to talk to a pastor of a Baptist church in your area. By talking to him and visiting the church on Sundays, you should get a good idea if that is really where you belong. It happend for me like that. As far as the church not liking the idea of a non-african american being there, you would be suprised. If they love the Lord they will love you.

Is Baptism necessary to be a Baptist?

In most cases it is written in the bylaws of somechurches that if you want to be a member of the church you must be Baptised (within the age of reason and with your own consent). You can always attend however. Are you asking because the thought is one that you are uncomfortable with?

 

[Anti-Fear]

Thanks for your hlep. I will find some friends who go to Baptist church and will ask them to bring me there, so I can check it out , see if it is as I thought it would be, so that my decision is rational.

 

[RED that's ME]

You might also want to visit several different Baptist churches they all don't fit into one type mold.