I want to get baptised, but............?

Question

I'm a pre-teen girl and I want to get baptised. But the thing is, I don't feel comfortable talking to my preacher or youth pastor. I think it's because they're guys and I often don't feel comfortable around guys for no reason what so ever. I felt comfortable around our old youth pastor, but he moved away. I feel comfortable talking to the pastor's wife and many of the other women in our church. I really want to get baptised, but like I said, I wouldn't feel comfortable getting baptised by the two pastors. What do I do?

Answer 1

Express your feelings to the pastor's wife exactly as you have expressed it to us. She will know what to do.

Answer 2

First, find a trusted woman in the church and discuss the matter with her. Second, be aware that in many denominations it is required that the pastor be the one who does the baptism. Could you be comfortable with the pastor and a woman you trust doing the baptism together? You do need to discuss the possible options, but most likely the pastor will be the one who does it, or does most of the ceremony. I am presuming you aren't interested in looking for a church that has female clergy, just for your baptism. But that would be another option, if your views are too different from those of the leadership of your own church. I hope you can find a good solution. This is not an easy problem and requires sensitivity and openness on both sides.

Answer 3

If you are born again and want to serve the Lord, you should get baptized. The Bible says we should. It's a sign of obedience. If you are nervous talking to the youth pastor, pray before you talk to him. Ask some other people to pray also. Ask God to take away your nervousness so you can obey Him. Pastors baptize people all the time. You'll be fine. Just do it. You'll be glad you did and you'll wonder why you were worried about it. Sounds like the devil is trying to keep you from it. Don't let him.

Answer 4

Firstly, as a pre-teen you should talk with your parents about your religious path. If you are in the United States they will have to give permission anyways if / when you decide to officially join a sect through baptism.

Secondly, generally there's no reason to feel uncomfortable or weird about talking to your Pastor. Your Pastor is there to help you along the path of Salvation (no, I don't believe that "being saved" is a single experience). He will especially be excited to hear that you are considering baptism. Maybe he could arrange for someone else to do the actual baptism (my dad baptized me). If you still feel uncomfortable, maybe it's time to look for a new congregation.

While asking a friend baptize you certainly shows your desire to accept Jesus as your personal Savior, such a private ceremony is rarely accepted by mainstream denominations unless it was arranged through your church leaders first. At this stage maybe that's enough for you - only you know for sure.

Answer 5

well dear, i just want to tell you right now, i'm here for you anytime. you know that. i'm excited to hear that you are thinking about getting babtized. it's an amazing thing. even though it's only a symbol it still gives you a great feeling. i know what you mean about being nervous or whatever around the two pastors but i want to tell you right now they can help alot. if i was to recommend one of them i would recommend the pastor not the youth pastor. just for the simple fact that he has been there longer and you are more likely to open up to him. don't worry about being nervous, it's a normal state of mind during this crucial part in your life. the pastor will give you the support and answers to your questions that you need. i believe that if you go and talk to him, you will find out that he's not as "intimidating" as you see him right now. don't be afraid to ask someone to go with you to talk to him either. he wouldn't mind. i know he wouldn't. he would just ask you questions or something and you just answer. you'll do fine. i promise. and remember like i said before i'm here for you if you need to talk.

Answer 6

How about contacting your old youth pastor?
A visit with him/her and a baptism may have special meaning for you.

My other idea is for you to is to look for other pastors in your area to baptise you. Perhaps there is a female pastor in some nearby church you would feel comfortable with.

Answer 7

You could talk to the Pastor's wife about the baptism, but the Pastor or Co Pastor usually does the actual baptism.. No way to get around the head of the church, you will have to bite the bullet (so to speak) and talk to him.

Answer 8

Why not wait a while?

You've got a long way to go, and a new youth pastor could come along that you get along with, or it could even be a nice lady youth pastor or preacher.

If you're a pre-teen, you could focus on reading books for the summer, seeing some classic movies (go to the library, they have great ones on DVD you can borrow) and having fun with your friends.

If you're feeling generous, join up with a group volunteering to help old people or other similar efforts, such as at a food bank or homeless shelter. These things feel just as good (if not better) than getting baptized.

Answer 9

I think it's wonderful that you want to get baptised. Jesus told his disciples to go out and baptise. So whatever concerns or fears you may have in regards to the pastor really shouldn't be there.
They are Thrilled to Baptise those who come to the Lord.
My brother in law is a pastor and I can tell you when ever anyone gets baptised they rejoice...I think satan is trying to keep you from getting baptised by putting that Uncomfortable Feeling within you......fight him back and do it anyways......Hugs...

Answer 10

Praise God that you want to be Baptized!!!
First of all, have you spoken to your parents about this? They may help you speak to the pastor or youth pastor. If you really want to do this on your own... talk to the pastor's wife. She will be able to minister to you and help ease your fears, whatever they are about going to these men.
Please pray for God to shed his light on this. I believe everything happens for a reason; perhaps in your prayer, God will reveal something to you; or maybe the women at your church need to take a bigger leadership role and you are sensing that.
I will definitely keep you in prayer!!!!
God bless and SMILE.

Answer 11

him. if you do not feel comfortable around them perhaps you should look for a different church. how are you going to become a member of thta church if you do not feel comfortable? if you are sure that this is the church for you, speak to the pastors wife about it. have her go with you to voice your wants and needs to the pastor. good luck. and excellent choice in getting baptized :) im proud of you soon to be sister in Christ.