Baptism for my son?

Question

I am trying to find a Lutheran church that will baptize my son but I'm having trouble. We don't belong to a church in our town, we are new to the area (*in the past year) and haven't found one that we like. We also weren't church goers where we came from. I would like to think that the church would want to bless my child, regardless of a commitment that I have made, or am willing to make. I was raised Catholic and now I am trying (for the sake of my family) break into the Lutheran church, but I can't find one that fits my criteria (nursery, VBS, sunday school, in the area). How should I get my son baptize? I want it to happen soon, he's getting older, and the Godparents have ridiculous schedules. What can I do?

Answer 1

If your primary concern is just getting your child baptized, then why not consider a non-denominational church? Where the child gets baptized should not make a diffference.

When you say "break into the Lutheran church" "for the sake of your family", that's a bit concerning. Do you really want to do this or do you feel pressured into it?

Faith and community are very important. But choosing a church should be based on where you feel you are best going to be supported and spiritually "fed". Make sure that the church you choose, whatever one it is, is one that you can call home. You almost sound frenzied in your search.

Stop and take a breath. Remember why you are doing what you're doing. Think about what is really important here. The age of your son's baptism isn't important. God doesn't have any "rules" that say if you don't get baptized by the time your a certain age, it's too late. He doesn't care. What he cares about is that you find a way to have a relationship with Him.
All the details of godparent schedules, in-laws etc....are not what is important.
Don't try to find a church based on what programs they have. Look for a church where you believe that what they teach is truth, where you are comfortable with their form or worship, where you feel a sense of community, where you can be involved. THAT'S where you will find peace.

If your only concern is that your son gets baptized quickly, I'm sure the Catholic church would do it for you in a pinch. Baptizing him there doesn't mean he's Catholic. It doesn't mean he has to go to church there and it doesn't mean that he has to be "re-baptized" when you finally find your church home. It means that you and the godparents have promised to raise the child in the Christian faith, to know God and to stand in the gap for them until they are old enough to decide for themselve that they want that relationship with God.
Where and who are not important.

I personally do not believe in infant baptism. I believe baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to give up a life according to how we want to live it and live it according to how God wants us to. I believe that this belief is supported by Jesus's example in the bible. But I was raised in the episcopal church and my husband was raised Roman Catholic. So both sides of the family expected a baptism. I refused to participate since I did not believe in it. I left the decsion up to my husband and told the grand parents they were free to take it upon themselves to have our daughter baptized if they wanted to but in my eyes it meant nothing. Well, I guess it wasn't that important to any of them either because it never happend. But last year at camp, my 14 year old made that decision herself and was baptized.

Don't give in to the pressures of family etc. against what you know to be truth just for the sake of ceremony and schedules. Do it because you want to and because the time and place are right. And you don't have to explain your decison to anyone. It's between you, your child and husband and God...nobody else!
:)

Answer 2

First, having been raised RC it should be an easy transition into the Lutheran Church. With your RC background I would suggest a congregation that is part of a Confessional Synod, such as the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the Wisconsin Synod, or Lutheran Church Canada. You will find Confessional Churches beliefs regarding the Eucharist, Baptism, Confession and Absolution, etc. would be very familiar to you.

Find also a Congregation within one of these Synods that use a Liturgical form of worship. Again you will find the Lutheran Mass very familiar, and possibly slightly more formal than what you grew up with. Some instruction would be required, and will help you understand why there are differences.

Be mind full that the biggest stumbling block when you have a Confessional (Biblical based) congregation should not be that it has to fit "our criteria" but we must rather fit the criteria of the Church.

Baptism

You certainly should have your son baptized.

In Matt. 28:18-20 Christ himself commands us (the Church) to teach and baptize "all nations" not just adults.

Acts 2:38-39 says Repent and be baptized, every one of you... For the promise is unto you and to your children.

Infants can believe also... Matt. 18:6 Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Pray on this. Talk to the Pastor(s). The Lord will help you find what you need (maybe not what you're looking for).

Ask the Pastor for a copy of Luther's Small Catechism, and study Part IV of Christian Questions and Answers; The Sacrament of Holy Baptism

Mark

Answer 3

Baptism is for ones who KNOW what they are doing in God's service. Jesus set the example in this: he was 30 years old when he was baptized... if anyone was going to be baptized as a baby, it would have been God's perfect Son, sent to the Earth.

It should not be done out of Tradition. It should be something your child decides to do when he is at an age of understanding after years of studying the Bible.
Baptism also is not a "blessing". It is an action you take to tell God you want to be forgiven & serve Him.

Answer 4

If you want to know what the scriptures say about baptism, then your answer is you shouldn't baptize your son. Baptism is a deeply personal life changing event. It is when a person comes to a deeper understanding of God and knows that something is missing from his or her life that only God can fill. The act of baptismal is symbolic of the death and ressurcection of Christ. The dunking is symbolic of the death of the savior, and the rising from the water is symbolic of new life or ressurection. Baptism is not something that can be conferred by dripping water on a child's head.

Now, if you want to dedicate your child to Christ and dedicate your life to teaching him the ways in which he or she should be brought up, then that too is a personal event. It should be at a time and place that everyone can attend.

Answer 5

You say you weren't churchgoers where you came from, and haven't found a church you like in a year of searching.

How diligent is your search? Are you out there every week? Just how important is attending church in your priorities? Or, are you just wanting the traditional ritual of baptism for your child, "regardless of your commitment."

Religion IS commitment. You can't blame an organized church for declining to trivialize their cherished, vital ritual to satisfy your uncommitted desire.

Go to www.truthortradion.com for a perspective you may not have considered.

Answer 6

Baptism is a Christian doctrine. It is an outward confession to others that you are a follower of Christ. Baptism in and of itself cannot bless you one way or the other. If your son is not a follower of Christ, baptism is not applicable. And, does it have to be a Lutheran church if it fits all of your needs?

Answer 7

A cook out sounds great! I would use the same kinds of decorations you would use for a baby shower, since I've never heard of specific decorations for baptisms. You shouldn't need anything beyond what you would use for a normal cook out. I've also never heard of a guide, but good luck and congrats! Edit: Please ignore the unkind Christians on here who are unable to open their minds enough to see that this is an event worthy of joy! (Apparently, they think insulting your parenting abilities will lead you closer to their version of Christ.)Congrats and God bless you both.

Answer 8

How old is your son.?A chjild is not supposed to be baptized at early age because he have not yet committed a sin.
jtm

Answer 9

i dont think he should be baptised untill he is older, and understands what it means.....if he is then go to a non-denominatioal church, they will baptise him, and you can still bring him up lutheran...i believe that in the eyes of god as long is you take that step it dosent matter what actuall religion you choose, as long as you are christian and believe.

Answer 10

Hi Katie,
There is no reason for him to be baptized. Baptism cleanses one from sin and he has no sin yet. He will not be sinful until he reaches as age where he can understand what sin is. Baptism cleanses one of past sins. To become a Christian, we are told that we must HEAR the WORD in John 6:45, Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” We are also told so in Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. We are told the we must BELIEVE in Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We are also told so in Mark 16:16, Jesus said “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” and in John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. We are told that we must REPENT (or turn from sin) in Luke 13:3 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Also in Acts 17:30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent. We are told to CONFESS CHRIST in Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. We are also told in 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. We are to be BAPTIZED according to Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” and Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. We are to CONTINUE to be FAITHFUL UNTIL DEATH according to Revelation 2:10c Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. We also know that Paul wrote in Romans 14:12 each of us shall give account of himself to God. It is important that we not ignore what is written, change what is written, or add to what is written in the New Testament. It is our Christian Guide. Have a great day!
Thanks,
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