I am interested in becoming a member of a certain local church. I am not currently a member of a church. The problem is that since I am not of that denomination, I am supposed to get baptized. I have already been baptized and have been a Christian for many years. The purpose for the baptism, I guess, is to assure that I have been baptized under this denomination's preferences. I was baptized by immersion, which is the same as what this denomination does. I do not want to become a member of this church to enter into this denomination. I don't really agree with denominationalism. I want to become a member of this church so that I can become more involved in the workings of the Church. I feel like I am part of the Church (notice the capitalization) and there is no need to be baptized again just to set others' minds at ease. (I have not yet talked to the pastor about becoming a member.) What do you think? If there are biblical reasons to get re-baptized, then I will. Can you help me?
2006-08-13 18:57:18 · 9 answers · asked by Skipperton 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They do not want me to get rebaptized for salvation reasons. It is just a requirement to have been baptized into that denomination to become a church member.
2006-08-13 19:10:44 · update #1
P.S. It is a baptist church. And I do agree with almost all of their doctrine. Also, I do not want to join for social reasons. I want to join the church because I am involved with leading a campus ministry and feel that I need the support of a church home.
2006-08-13 19:17:31 · update #2
I can't think of any reason to get baptized a second time. It isn't in Scripture, except, of course, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
I have to ask, why doesn't this denomination (or church) accept your prior baptism? What's wrong with it? Is there a good reason? If not, are they saying that, since you aren't part of their denom, you aren't saved?
If that's the case, why would you want to be a part of their church anyway? (if you believe you already are saved).
I hope this helps, but it seems to me these might be questions worth asking.
2006-08-13 19:06:27 · answer #1 · answered by Wayne A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't get it. You want to be a member of this church to become more involved in the workings of the church but at the same time you don't want to get re-baptized because you don't believe it is necessary. So basically you don't necessarily believe in this church you want to join but are joining because of social reasons?
If you are going to join a church you should believe in it. Otherwise you really should not be involved in the workings of that church. Why? because that is something the actual members should be doing. If part of their beliefs is to be re-baptized in order to join their church then you would need to so that, but you should also believe in this religion.
This is not a case where you can get it all. It will be either their way or you will need to find another religion to join if you want to be that involved.
p.s. many churches feel baptism is required when you join their church because they don't believe the other churches have the authority to baptize people under God.
2006-08-13 19:10:12 · answer #2 · answered by idaho gal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only know one Church (at least one that refers to herself a Church - as apposed to church). That would be the Roman Catholic Church (and since you disagree with the denomination and you left the denomination but want to return I can only assume). If that is the case, and depending on your current denominaition there is no need to be re-Baptised, in fact you can not be re-Baptised since the creed of the Church says "One Baptizm for the forgiveness of sin". That being said, the Church doesn't recognize Baptism of Mormans or one other Christian denomination - but it escapes me now.
In sort, there is no need for re-Baptism.
2006-08-13 19:12:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You ought to be able to join the church by a statement of faith, however, I am not sure I understand why you want to join a church you disagree with. I know what you are saying about being part of the Church, but we must be careful who we associate ourselves with as Christians. If you are active in a church , you will be seen by others as supportive of the teachings of that church. Ask yourself how you will act as a witness to the unsaved if you are member of a church that teaches things you don't believe.
2006-08-13 19:15:53 · answer #4 · answered by reinadelaz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went through a similar experience. I deferred joining a church until I got a personal confirmation it was the right thing to do. In my church baptism by immersion by those having AUTHORITY is one reason to re-baptize.
2006-08-13 19:07:33 · answer #5 · answered by Woody 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Skipperton,
I don't understand why you want to become a member of a church that you have disagreements with. It sounds like the disagreements run deep.
Now you are being told that you are to comply with an act that you have doubts about. Axiomatically, you are going to deliver yourself to an act of faith in a state of doubt. Not good.
Whatever you are fantasizing about as to your usefulness to that church, it seems to lack proper sincerity.
2006-08-13 19:13:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baptism is supposed to be a public declaration of your faith.The reasons you are giving are not Scriptural.
2006-08-13 19:43:42 · answer #7 · answered by lillie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just get babtized to become the official follower of the denomination, not the follower of God. So it's up to you
2006-08-13 19:04:55 · answer #8 · answered by NoBody 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Should Jesus be re-crucified?
2006-08-13 19:03:54 · answer #9 · answered by backroadhome 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋