Question for ALL Members

[OzarkWoman]

Why is it that any Pastor, Reverend or Priest out there, no matter the denomination, will not or does not baptise someone or anyone that does not want to join their particular church or faith? I mean, when one is baptised, one is baptised in the name of Christ and not in the name of (Place whatever church or denomination you like here). Having said that why does one have to join a church and/or denomination to get baptised, immersion style?

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I know of a number of Adventist (and other denominations) pastors who will baptize a person and not require the person to join a particular denomination.

[Woody]

Good questions Ozark Woman.

As far as I know ... any person b it man or woman can baptize someone. I know of no scriptural dictate that it has to be a pastor.

And you are right. There is no scriptural mandate that you have to join a denomination after you are baptized like so many in our church do.

And yes there are pastors who will baptize you and not require you to join a denomination.

[OzarkWoman]

So, why won't a pastor of a SDA church baptise someone without them joining the church?

[OzarkWoman]

I know of a number of Adventist (and other denominations) pastors who will baptize a person and not require the person to join a particular denomination.

Would you mind giving the name of a couple of the SDA pastors that will baptise and not require the person to join SDA?

[Gordon1]

So, why won't a pastor of a SDA church baptise someone without them joining the church?

It seems most denominations are intent on membership growth. There may be a quota system in some conferences. And you'll observe a difference between the Bible approach of Philip in Acts 8:37 and today's examination process.

But the pastor should have a good reason himself OzarkWoman. If he explains it, please post if you feel comfortable.

[Woody]

So, why won't a pastor of a SDA church baptise someone without them joining the church?

I can see no Biblical reason for that. But ask him/her and post the response here if you can.

[TWNolan]

My question is: why don't you want to be baptized and become a member of a church?

[Woody]

My question is: why don't you want to be baptized and become a member of a church?

I suspect he may very well want to join a church. If not now ... perhaps in the future. But I don't see that it is required of him. But in no way should we withhold the waters of baptism just because he has not decided upon a church or even if he wants to join a church.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

Originally Posted By: rudywoofs

I know of a number of Adventist (and other denominations) pastors who will baptize a person and not require the person to join a particular denomination.

Would you mind giving the name of a couple of the SDA pastors that will baptise and not require the person to join SDA?

I will not, simply because I do not want to get anyone into dutch and starting up another Civil War, like we're seeing in Women's Ordination, Gays in the Church, Conservatives vs Liberals, Creation vs Evolution, etc. Too much controversy dividing the Church already. Satan is trying his darnedest to break it.

[Aliensanctuary]

Earthly baptism has no power to change us. It's the wash-up in the River of Life, and drinking its healing waters, that will transform us into loyal servants of the LORD, forever. Memberships in man-made religions will become irrelevant in the Last Days when we must all face the test and choose our master, a life-or-death matter.

[LynnDel]

Baptism and becoming a member of a particular assembly should be two different items, but are often linked in the same ceremony because it flows well. I've attended riverside baptisms where the voting for membership takes place later. I wonder if the hesitation on the pastor's part - to baptise someone who doesn't want to become a member - could be due to a concern about the commitment of someone who does not want to become part of the body of believers?

LD

[Woody]

Earthly baptism has no power to change us. It's the wash-up in the River of Life, and drinking its healing waters, that will transform us into loyal servants of the LORD, forever. Memberships in man-made religions will become irrelevant in the Last Days when we must all face the test and choose our master, a life-or-death matter.

Excellent Post.

Woody likes

[OzarkWoman]

Baptism and becoming a member of a particular assembly should be two different items, but are often linked in the same ceremony because it flows well. I've attended riverside baptisms where the voting for membership takes place later. I wonder if the hesitation on the pastor's part - to baptise someone who doesn't want to become a member - could be due to a concern about the commitment of someone who does not want to become part of the body of believers?

LD

I wonder why anyone would think that? The Bible says that wherever 2 or more are in my name is worshipping. My husband and I worship at home and go to another seventh day church that is not SDA. We fellowship with others but don't feel the need to join a certain denomination to worship God.