A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

This past Sunday at the 2nd service of Christ Church, we had 7 new baptisms.

Instead of the normal one-at-a-time going through the whole baptismal process, they brought the 7 up front in their baptismal robes. They were introduced to the congregation and answered the questions as a group about their understanding of God and the baptismal process and what it was for. They all answered "Yes" to the questions presented to them.

They then left to go behind the stage to be baptized while the congregation and choir were singing. There was no mic, so you couldn't hear what the preacher was saying. After each person went under water, the congregation would cheer and clap while singing the song.

I know the preacher very well that was doing the baptizing, so I know that they were all baptized in Jesus name.

Is it important that we, as a congregation, know exactly what is being said at baptism?

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

No, not if you know how it is being done, why would you need to hear it, you are not being baptized. I think it not necessary to exclude you from the privilage to witness the event. I remember LS preaching about how he had his baptism done in private. He said if he could change anything about it now it would be that he would want everyone to be there and witness.
I was a visitor at Johnny Minnics River of Life in Nash. he covers all his bases by Ac. 2:38and the titles. Because he was miked I know he does both ways at once.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

imo, no it's not important.

this is very similar to how our church does baptisms. the only diff is we have their photo and name on the bigscreen and a quote from them as to why they're being baptized. then they show the person being baptized while the congregation sings and worships. we also do communion on baptism sunday as well.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

It's so ingrained in those of us with UPC DNA to have to hear the words, "I now baptize you in Jesus name!".

This new system requires us to trust the church leadership. As of right now, I trust our church leadership, but if a new guy comes along that I don't know, I might question how he/he is baptizing.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Agreed. I am sure you find yourself checking on other things in church like the UPC in ya has conditioned you to. I did when I attended a non-UPC church. Now that I am back I look at things differently. Now I look at things more cynically maybe. But there is alot that goes on that is WAY extra biblical. IMO. But again that is the conditioning of the UPCers.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

In the 13 years i have been a member of my church, we have not used a mic. It is UPCI. sometimes you can hear what is being said, most times you cant.


Never has been an issue. I dont believe my home church used a mic either (but I could be wrong its been a long time).

I think this is less of an issue for churches that are committed Oneness churches than some folk think.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

our church is upc also, no mike, even with no music at all, you cant hardly hear, but they baptize in the lovely name of Jesus, so all is well, dt

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

they are usually baptized at our church while we are singing...why would we need to hear the preacher?

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I like that, group confession, smooth and everyone partipates in the celebration.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Can you guess what I think???????????????????

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I am not familiar with this song "There was no mic" that you say the choir was singing. Can you post the lyrics?:tease

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

This reminds me of an interesting conversation I had with a prince of a guy out somewhere in Tennesee...

:D

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

:ursofunny:ursofunny:ursofunny:ursofunny

I can tell you that it WASN'T a pentecostal song, their favorite song is, "There's Gotta be a Mic for God to Move".

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I have seen lots of baptisms in state side churches going on while choirs were singing or even during the alter service. I don´t think has to be a pattern that we use for every baptismal service.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I would say that it is not important for us to hear, nor is it important what the preacher says. What is important is what the person being baptized proclaims and believes.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I want scripture and verse! Scripture and verse! If it aint in the book of acts it aint apostolic, bless god!! :)

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Upon the confession of your faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, I now baptize you, Pianoman, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins (dunk)


The entire congregation should hear the "spoken" (..In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.)

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Our baptistry is in another room right now, because we had to move it for platform space, but anyone is welcome to go watch the baptisms after the services. We take pictures and once a month show a video of the baptism pics to the congregation.

I did just hear of an ex-UPC church though whose pastor left and the new guy does NOT baptize in Jesus' name, so I do think it's important to know what the pastors say.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Thank you. My problem with not hearing what is said at CC they already teach it privately with very little or nothing being said about baptism in Jesus Name and now this next step. I think it should concern those there who still believe in Jesus Name baptism.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

As long as Bro. Hardwick is in the picture at all, they WILL baptize in Jesus' name. I'm sure of that.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

However Elder Hardwick is getting on up there.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I would say that the minister and the person being baptised qualifies as 2 or 3so no one else has to hear.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I was told this evening that the new way of doing the baptismal part of the service was done for time saving reasons. At a large church like Christ Church, sometimes the baptisms take up a lot of time.

If you recall, I complained on here about our services running too long on Sunday mornings! I guess I wasn't the only one! :D

There are certain preachers that I have complete faith in how they baptize. There are others that I don't know well enough to trust! Before too long, Christ Church will be hiring a new assistant pastor. Who they choose will tell me a lot about the direction Christ Church is taking.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I sent Pastor Scott my resume but I haven't heard back yet. :D

I will let you know this. I will ask you to read the commandment in scripture to me then baptize you exactly like it says to...

Hows that?

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I told them I couldn't live on that $500 a week.:whistle

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

The more important question might be: Did they use microphones in Bible times? :whistle

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

If only 2-3 witnesses are needed, then why does the entire congregation need to hear the words? I trust my pastor to baptize people according to the Word. I don't need to hear what he is saying all the way to the back door. :coffee2

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

My problem with this is simple CC does NOT preach baptism in Jesus Name openly nor is much said about the HGB, so if the audience do not hear what the preacher says then how will visitors and some members know how they baptize? It just seems another step away from the Pentecostal distinction.
The frog in the pan of water being brought slowly to a boil until it is too late.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I don´t like boiled frog!

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

The issue need not be a trust one. I think there's also something else involved: baptism is (among other things, of course) a public reception of people into the life of the church. Therefore its central to the meaning of baptism that this special once-in-a-lifetime event is shared in full by the person being baptised and the congregation. In addition, the public point of baptism means that "witnesses" necessarily means more than just the minister and the one being baptised.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

How about this for a baptismal service ?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KwV3KtxdS4

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

No its not important for the congregation to hear. The only person that needs to hear is the baptisimal candidate and Christ.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I'll tell anybody this if they want me to baptize them,I only baptize in the name of Jesus Christ and no other way.

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True, but its not a matter of whether they "need" to hear, but whether they should hear.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

how about this?
any comments?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfWY-fjpgnA

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

Statement of Faith from the Christ Church website

We believe
... in one God, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

... that our Lord Jesus Christ was begotten, not created, very God of very God, truly God, truly Man. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a vicarious and atoning death for the sins of the world, was resurrected bodily for our justification, and now reigns in glory until all things be put under His feet.

... in the absolute inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, given by the Holy Spirit without error, as He moved upon holy men of old. Furthermore, ... that the church has no authority to establish doctrine or practice contrary to these same Scriptures, which were subsequently accepted as canon by the early Christian Church.

... that man was made in the image of God and is the crown of creation. He is now, by reason of the fall, spiritually depraved and alienated from His Creator. Apart from God's grace he has no ability to attain to his high calling.

... that justification is by grace through faith in our Lord's sacrifice on Calvary.

... that all of God's people are to be buried with Christ in the waters of baptism, subsequent to conversion. While we freely embrace those of contrary opinion, we feel that this rite is scripturally administered "in the name of the Lord Jesus."

... that the Holy Spirit indwells all believers, conforming them to the image of Jesus Christ.

... that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an enduement of powers subsequent to conversion, given by God to anoint the believer for sanctification and evangelism. It is our understanding that the supernatural charisms of the Holy Spirit are active within the body of Christ until the coming of the Lord. Furthermore, ... the development of these charismatic gifts ought to be encouraged under the guidance of local church authorities.

... in the Holy Christian Church, imperfectly represented on Earth by the various Christian institutions. Her unity is spiritual, her culture diverse and transitional, her mission eternal.

... that the calling of Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher are functional within the Body of Christ until the Lord's return. Furthermore, these ministries are gifts to the church for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of ministry, that the Body of Christ be edified.

... the identity of the Body of Christ on the Earth is primarily perceived through the local church. While encouraging the voluntary association of local churches, and recognizing the need of consensus on matters of fundamental doctrine and conduct, we strongly confess the local church to be sovereign and autonomous.

... in the right of local churches and ministries to form temporal institutions to assist them in carrying out the work of God. At the same time, we reject sectarianism and divisiveness as great evils.

... in the priesthood of the believer. That is to say all people born of God have equal status before, and direct access to their Lord.

... in the spiritual unity of all who are born of God. We confess even those with whom we disagree, those who do not confess us, and others whom we exclude because of our unwillful ignorance.

... that those who are called by the name of Christ should depart from iniquity. Understanding that salvation from the penalty of sin only begins the process of redemption, we acknowledge that one work of the Holy Spirit is to create in us the character of Christ.

... in the literal second coming of our Lord, the literal rule of Christ upon Earth, the resurrection of the regenerate to eternal life and the unregenerate to eternal damnation, and the ultimate victory of the eternal Kingdom of God.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

I have no doubt these people are sincere,but I can't go for that.
I'm just being honest.

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?
 

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0xlrFjmJS8

Re: A New Trend for Baptisms?