Why won't churches baptize someone unless they attend their services or other church?

Question

I've been reading the scriptures over a year, and have accepted God into my life and have seen positive results from that decision. I'm unable to attend services at this time due to transportation issues, and other concerns. But I called a few churches and asked if they would baptized me. It felt like an interview, and I was told I had to attend their church for awhile, or other church, and that I needed to be "interviewed" by the pastor and others. Has everyone who has been baptized attended the church who baptized them? Thanks

Answer 1

they probably just want to make sure you understand why baptisism is important. some churches i think are run more like a buisness so they may want to get you in on the chance that you will start tithing.

baptisism means to change completely on the inside. dipping in water is an outwardly sign to show that change. which is still important and i'm sure you will eventually find a church to do this for you. just tell them that John the baptist baptised anyone who converted without church attendance.

Answer 2

The churches you're calling are trying to find out your beliefs & whether they match with what that church is teaching. Yes, you do need to go through interviews with each one, and probably attend some formal classes. You might get lucky though if you keep calling around. The Baptist church I attend has a pretty liberal policy in this area, i.e. any believer can baptize any believer.

BTW if you were baptized as an infant as I was, it's perfectly scriptural, but hey, if you don't believe that, up to you. Good luck.

Answer 3

You really need to go to Acts 2:38-47 The answer to your question is found in verse 47... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Have you tried attending Church of Christ? Just that "The Church of Christ". This is a group that only goes by the Bible, nothing added and nothing taken away from the word of God. No person can add you to the Lord's Church, only the Lord. If you have heard the word, believe the word, repent of your sins, confess His name before men, and are buried in baptism for remission of your sins then the Lord adds you to the Body of Christ which is His church. Please contact me at my email address and I can give you the location of a church of Christ nearest you. The Church of Christ is the only " Church " that sticks strictly with the Bible teachings. ( No instrumental music, Communion on the first day of every week as commanded, immersion in water to be baptized) There are verses for all of these examples I have given you. Assembling to worship God on the first day of every week is commanded. Not all worship is acceptable to God, there are multitudes of VAIN WORSHIPPERS in the world and God warns about them in Matthew 15:9. It is so very important to do only what God authorizes to do and not let man's ideas take over. So much today is just to go to church to be entertained for an hour and that is so against what God Demands from us. Seek ye first the kingdom of God... Being a christian is so rewarding, not to say it is always easy but keeping our eyes on Christ and His sacrifice we know we will be rewarded eternally at the end of time.

Answer 4

In the Catholic church (and others), Baptism is the initiation into the Christian life. As an adult, it means that you are publically declaring that you have a basic understanding and acceptance of all that that faith teaches. It is also a commitment to live out that life. One cannot very well do that unless they first study and make a responsible decision. Part of the Christian life is belonging to the Body of Christ, the Church community. So, saying you want Baptism, but not being part of the body says you are not so serious. Pray about it, friend.

Answer 5

No, it shouldn't be that way and I'm sorry you have been treated this way. However, I think it is normal to be interviewed prior to a baptism unless the baptism is for a young child. Keep calling churches and don't let anyone make you feel odd about what you are asking. Some churches will provide their church sermons on audiotape. Christian churches will help you.

Answer 6

Baptism is not a spiritual carwash but an initiation into a community. This church probably considers a drive-through baptism meaningless without followup. It's kind of like having a complete stranger in for lunch, then never seeing them again.

If the problem is truly transportation, ask if they have some kind of support or outreach that can allow you to participate in their community life. If you don't want to participate, what exactly would be the purpose of your baptism?

Answer 7

Baptism isn't all there is to salvation. It is the first step but there is other things you must do. I would seriously ask myself what the real hangup is with going to Church. Ask yourself some honest deep questions. I would venture to say that you are afraid someone is going to try to tell you what to do and you have a problem with authority. Remember Jesus puts people in authority for just such a reason as learning humility.

Answer 8

It is really a shame that so many churches today baptize people into their churches or demoninations instead of into Christ! We could learn alot from what the apostle Paul said when he wrote, "Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?"

But also, know this. True baptism is not of water, but of the Holy Spirit. If you have been born-again, you are baptized in God's eyes. God Bless.

Answer 9

Call a "Church of Christ" and explain your situation to them. They should baptize if you have studied and understand what the Bible teaches on baptism.

Answer 10

Baptism makes you a Christian. It is the new birth. You are then a "baby" in Christ.

Therefore....the Church that birthed you wants to make sure that you are fed.

That's the way it is in life, too. We make sure the children get fed.