when i was like 12 i was hanging out at the lake with my friend and his dad and his dads friends and his friend gave like a normal baptizim but im not sure if he was a preacher do you have to be a preacher to baptize someone?
2006-08-23 15:46:13 · 16 answers · asked by matthew Overton 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Many years ago (about 26) I had the same dilemma as you. I was baptized by a man who was not a preacher also. I called a radio pastor who was on the air and he said that no where in scripture does it say it must be a preacher that does the baptizing. It is a matter of the heart, and the obedience to Jesus Christ according to the scriptures. I knew my heart was being obedient to the Lord and that he blessed my obedience. I have not been re-baptized as have felt there is no need. That is just my opinion. I suggest you search the scriptures for yourself and seek the Lord concerning this so that whatever you decide you do it in faith as unto the Lord.
God Bless!!
2006-08-23 15:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by Noor 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are saved by the confession of your mouth, and scripturally "baptized", IN Christ thereafter. A water baptism can be done by anyone that is a scriptural witness, only by your symbolic testimony. Any Christian can do this. It is symbolic anyway.
Now, That is a denominational question. Some people think water baptism is a prerequisite for salvation. In that case, I can't help you. I have no biblical knowledge of that, other than John The Baptist's, Water Baptism Ministry ended when Jesus was baptized in accordance too obedience.
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Good Question.
2006-08-23 23:01:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, baptism is nothing unless you have accepted Jesus into your heart to live there. If you didn't make that decision to give yourself to Him, then your baptism wouldn't have been real no matter who did it.
Second, I hope you get a Biblical answer to your question about WHO does the baptizing, because I honestly don't know. I've never read anywhere in the Bible that a person has to be ordained to baptize (they didn't even have ordination then), and my opinion is that any true believer should be able to baptize. But I don't know that for sure.
2006-08-23 22:52:57 · answer #3 · answered by married_so_leave_me_alone1999 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My understanding, FWIW, is that one needs to be baptised "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit)."
Some denominations require that only a Christian (but not necessarily a clergyperson) administer the baptism. An old Roman Catholic missal indicates that in serious circumstances, _any_ person may administer baptism if the intention is to perform the sacrament according to the rites of the Church.
The _general_ attitude seems to be "let a clergyperson handle it, so that it can be recorded/attested in church files properly" (in case a question comes up in later years).
If you're not sure about your status, why not consult with your local clergyperson and see if you can reaffirm your baptismal promises?
2006-08-23 23:04:45 · answer #4 · answered by samiracat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. did you notice that in the bible Jesus never baptized anyone. Some think he did not because he did not want to make some baptisms more lofty than others. It does no matter who baptized you. Paul says this. you do need to understand what baptism is though. You were buried as Christ was buried. Your old self has died and you have risen a new person. Heaven celebrates.
2006-08-23 22:52:48 · answer #5 · answered by unicorn 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I asked my hubby (he's a Preacher) and he said it usually is done by clergy, and normally in front of the church with many witnesses like Jesus got baptized in front of a bunch of people. But he also said that God looks at the heart. If this was a serious thing done from the heart and in faith I'm sure God will honor it. Hope this helps.....
2006-08-23 23:04:15 · answer #6 · answered by trainer53 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible doesn't list requirements for people to be able to baptize others, but it seems to have been done commonly by the leaders. These days it's generally assumed that an ordained minister of a church is who should baptize people. Variations of that expectation would exist between different groups.
2006-08-23 22:50:53 · answer #7 · answered by jewel_flower 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More importantly, were you baptized for the right reason? If you had received Christ as Lord of your life, and you were baptized as a result by a believer, then I'd say your baptism was valid. A minister is not required.
However, if any of those criteria were not met, and you want to do it again, then go for it.
2006-08-23 22:50:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you believe that at that point, you dedicated to walking with God through your life, then you were baptized. That being said, just like some married people renew their vows, you are always free to renew the vows of your baptism if you so choose.
2006-08-23 22:56:08 · answer #9 · answered by TXChristDem 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive seen it done by non preachers, but I would prefer to be baptized by one any way.
2006-08-23 22:49:43 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋