Q&A for How to Get Baptized

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Why do adults get baptized?

Zachary Rainey
Ordained Minister
Rev. Zachary B. Rainey is an ordained minister with over 40 years of ministry and pastoral practice, including over 10 years as a hospice chaplain. He is a graduate of Northpoint Bible College and a member of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.

Zachary Rainey

Ordained Minister

Expert Answer

Adults who participate in a 'believer’s baptism' may decide to be baptized in water because they desire to identify with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism by immersion is a picture of being buried with Christ and rising to live a new life. Baptism tells everyone, 'I no longer live for myself, I live a new life in Christ.' The Christian Scriptures exhort every follower of Jesus to 'die' from selfish sinful ways and to 'live' in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit."

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Question

Do I have to take classes in order to be baptized?

Community Answer

No, but it would be a good idea to do so, so that you can understand the process and reasoning more.

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Question

When I was younger, I went to church and accepted Jesus as my savior, but was never baptized. Can I still do it now?

Community Answer

Yes of course! Getting baptized is your own choice and you can to it at any time before His coming.

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Question

I'm 11 years old, and I have thought about getting baptized. I want to tell my family, but I'm scared. How can I tell them?

Community Answer

No one should keep your from getting baptized. If you want it, do it. You will need your family's consent. Tell them privately, but first, think of what you want to say. Be respectful but truthful.

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Question

Will you go to hell if you are not baptized?

Community Answer

No. If you don't get baptized, you have to have a strong relationship with God, but it is not up to any of us it's between you and God.

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Question

Is there a specific type of water and prayers that must be used during a baptism?

Community Answer

Not at all. John and Jesus used to baptize in the Jordan river. You can use what you think is appropriate, and bless the waters beforehand if you see fit. As for prayers, go for quality rather than length. You can quote appropriate versus from the Bible, or make it your own.

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Question

Can a baby be baptized if his or her parents aren't married?

Community Answer

Some churches will baptize babies if their parents are not married. Talk to the pastor or priest at your local church to find out the church's policy.

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Question

My daughter is nondenominational. Where can she be baptized without being a member of the Church?

Community Answer

Typically, this shouldn't be an issue, as most churches won't deny baptism to non-church members. Consider asking a few pastors; if they won't accept your daughter, ask them for advice. Most of them would be happy to help you.

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Question

I was baptized a Catholic, but I did not receive any of the other sacraments, such as Reconciliation and Communion. Can I go to confession and then receive Communion?

Community Answer

You should discuss this with the pastor of the local Catholic Church you wish to join. If you are an adult, there are formation classes to help you through preparing for these sacraments. If you are a child, then you would go through traditional classes to prepare you as well, at age appropriate levels to understand the grace given through the sacraments.

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Question

Do I just go to church and ask to be baptized and they will do it?

Community Answer

That is how you begin the process, yes. Just tell the pastor that you want to change and live a life for God. Then the pastor should be able to tell you what to do.

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Question

If my grandma has been a pastor for her whole life, can she baptize me at home?

Community Answer

Yes, she could, but it is better to do it in front of people at church. Getting baptized mean you are publicly announcing you relationship with God.

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Question

Do I have to read the Bible before I get baptized?

Community Answer

Not at all. It would serve you in helping to better understand the faith, but is not a requirement.

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Question

Do I have to go through RCIA if I had accepted Jesus as my savior as a kid, but was never baptized?

Community Answer

Yes, if you're becoming Catholic you need to go through RCIA. If you were never baptized, then you will also have to be baptized.

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Question

How do I sign up to get baptized?

Community Answer

You don't necessarily have to "sign up." Just speak to the pastor of your church and he or she will usually be glad to help you.

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Question

Do I have to tell the entire congregation my sins, or only my pastor?

Community Answer

Only the pastor; confession is confessing your sins to the pastor, and he/she keeps them confidential.

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Question

Can I baptize myself at home?

Community Answer

No. You need to be baptized by a pastor or someone of authority in the church with your fellow believers around you to witness it.

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Question

If you have admitted your sins to God, do you have to do it to the preist before being baptized?

Community Answer

There are no priests in the Christian church, and no, you do not have to confess your sins. That can stay between you and God.

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Question

I want to be baptized again, but my parent won't let me. I really want to do it before Jesus comes again.

Nicolehart

Community Answer

If you have been born again, there is no need to be re-baptized. You are already one of God's children.

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Can I still get baptized if my parents aren't married?

Community Answer

Yes, your parents' situation does not affect your baptism.

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Question

I want to be baptized, but it's wintertime. Will I have to wait?

Community Answer

Many churches conduct baptisms inside the building. Call around and ask, you should be able to find a church that can accommodate you.

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Question

Do I have to confess my sins to the pastor or can I confess my sins to the lord by praying?

Community Answer

When wanting to be baptized, you just tell the pastor you want to get baptized. You don't need to confess your sins to the pastor. You can confess sins to God on your own.

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Question

Can I be baptized outside of a church by a family member?

Theladyorthetiger

Community Answer

You can certainly be baptized outside of church, and any Christian can technically baptize. It is better for a Pastor to baptize than anyone else, but yes.

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Question

I'm scared of going underwater (being "dunked"), so I'm worried about getting baptized. Will I go to hell if I don't?

Community Answer

Not all denominations baptize by "dunking" the person in water, some will simply anoint your forehead with oil or water. Call around to some local churches and explain the situation, someone should be able to accommodate you.

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Question

I'm 13 years old. Do I have to wait to be baptized until I'm older?

Community Answer

You don't have to, but I might suggest waiting long enough to decide if you want to stick with religion for the rest of your life.

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Question

Do I have to get baptized in public?

Community Answer

You don't have to be baptized in front of a stadium of people, but baptism is a public statement of faith. Maybe you would feel more comfortable if you just invited your family and some close friends.

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Question

Do you have to confess your sins and will everyone know your sins? Do you have to confess ALL your sins?

Community Answer

You confess all of your sins to God. No one but God needs to know. If your sin has hurt someone, you can make amends with that person, but the confession of sins is between you and God.

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Question

To marry my Catholic partner, do I have to be baptized?

Community Answer

If you are to be married in the Catholic Church (which I highly recommend), you must be baptized. Otherwise, you do not have to be baptized.

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Question

What do I do if I am too nervous to confess my sins to a pastor?

Community Answer

A Christian pastor does not hear confessions like a Catholic priest. You don't need to confess out loud at all. At you have to do is pray and ask God to forgive you.

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Question

Is it possible to get baptized if I am Muslim and have not converted?

Community Answer

Being baptized is entering into the Christian faith with a clean spirit and welcoming God into your life. It is also saying you believe in what this religion proclaims. Without converting, you cannot be baptized as a Christian.

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Question

I am Hindu and my partner with whom I am planning to get married is Christian. I am not a member of any church. How do I get baptized in this case?

Community Answer

To get baptized is symbolic of your becoming a Christian. You cannot get baptized and have it mean anything if you do not first have a change from the inside out. If you legitimately wish to become Christian, follow the steps in the article.

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