In order for someone to be baptized, do you have to attend a church for a while first?

Answer 1

No you don't have to attend Church first - although I would wonder why someone who calls themselves a Christian would have no desire to (if that's the case). according to the Bible, baptism is an outward testimony of what has occurred inwardly in a believer’s life. Christian baptism illustrates a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. The Bible declares, “Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:3-4 NIV). In Christian baptism, the action of being immersed in the water pictures being buried with Christ. The action of coming out of the water pictures Christ’s resurrection.

In Christian baptism, there should be two requirements before a person is baptized: (1) the person being baptized must have trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior, and (2) the person must understand what baptism signifies. If a person knows the Lord Jesus as Savior, understands that Christian baptism is a step of obedience in publicly proclaiming his faith in Christ, and desires to be baptized – then there is no reason to prevent the believer from being baptized. According to the Bible, Christian baptism is simply a step of obedience, a public proclamation of one’s faith in Christ alone for salvation. Christian baptism is important because it is a step of obedience – publicly declaring faith in Christ and commitment to Him, and identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Answer 2

Prior to Baptism, you have to Hear the word and Believe the word so you will know why you are being baptized. Generally, most people do not study on their own and attend a church on a regular basis to hear the word preached from the pulpit and attend Bible classes to ask questions and learn what you need to be saved.

Once you know why you need to be baptized, you are total immersed to wash away your sins (Bible baptism is ALWAYS total immersion in water). According to the Bible, once you are baptized you are ADDED to the church, which is the group of people who have been baptized. You are not joining a specific church, baptism does not join you to a building or congregation. You can be baptized in Texas and attend church for the rest of your life in Michigan, for example.

Once you have studied enough to be baptized, you will realize that we are commanded to worship God on every first day of the week, therefore, you should find a local congregation of the church of Christ and place your membership there. Remember, baptism does not "join" you to a specific church, but to the "church of Christ", the body of true believers. Therefore, you are free to attend the worship service of any of the congregations where the church of Christ meets.

Answer 3

It depends on where you go. Technically, if it's a baby, you should be able to have the child baptized even if you don't attend church, but I know of some who have been denied. I would think, if this is an adult, that if you want to be baptized, you would be going to church. I'm not sure if they would baptize you then, but you don't need a minister or a priest to baptize.

Answer 4

It depends. Some churches, especially Baptists, will only baptize you if you are making a commitment to becoming a member of that church. Other churches will you baptize you as long as you have been saved through Jesus Christ.

Technically, you do not have to be baptized by a minister. Any follower of Christ can baptize you in any body of water.

Answer 5

Some churches have you be as members in order to be baptized. But you don't have to be baptize in a church. I was baptized in a church but my 2 older sisters were baptized in a pool or in a bath tub. It sounds kinda funny I know. Like what Hillbillys do. =)

Answer 6

The only requirement of Baptism is to repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation. When a person is born again by the Holy Spirit, that person will be greatly desirous of attending a church that preaches the Word of God in order to receive encouragement.

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.


Acts 2:41
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Answer 7

i dont feel that you halft to attend a church for a long time because u get saved first then u get baptized to wash off the old u but i feel u shouldent get baptized right away u need to wait to u are ready so it can mean the most wonderfull thing to ever happen in ur life

Answer 8

Yes, if you plan on going to that Church...and becoming a member...I am a Christian and that is how it is in my Church...We have adults baptized all the time..

Answer 9

It depends on the church. Catholic - yes, plus some other things you must do. Baptist - usually, but not always. I go to Calvary Chapel, and there is no such requirement because their is no church "membership."

This all applies to the public profession by water baptism. This does NOT by any means apply to the acceptance of Christ and your belief in Him. That's just between you and Him.

Answer 10

Not exactly. Salvation and baptism are prerequisites for church membership. It is always nice to know who is baptizing you, though. It makes it a better experience.