Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3

From observation, I can say we can choose who will minister the baptism. 

For Catholics, the choice is not who does the baptism, but where. Church #1 where I got baptised keeps a record of my baptismal certificate. If I want to get married in another church, Church #2 will request for my baptismal certificate from Church #1. After the wedding ceremony, Church #2 will send a copy of my marriage certificate to Church #1.

April 16 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ezekiel Kimosop Supporter

Is baptism a personal choice and we can be baptized by a pastor of our choosing?

The baptism of a believer is done in obedience to God's word in Matthew 28:19-20. It was commanded by Jesus Christ for His church. Those who turn to Christ should be baptized in accordance with the teaching of Scripture and added to the list of church members. 

A believer should therefore willingly submit to the rite of baptism in obedience to our Lord's command. To that extent, it may be argued that baptism involves an act of obedience, a personal choice on the part of the believer. 

The second question is perhaps an interesting one. Can a believer be baptized by a pastor of their choosing? 

The answers to this question will vary depending on the Christian tradition of the believer. It is not clear why a believer would choose the pastor or person to conduct their baptism. 

In most conservative or mainstream churches, baptism is conducted by the presiding minister or a pastor designated for the purpose. Believers do not get to choose who will baptize them. Besides, baptism is conducted for a group of believers who have undergone catechism training. 

In some Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions, baptism takes a "laissez-faire" approach. Baptism may be conducted by pastors, church elders, and mature believers who have been designated for the purpose. 

Scripture does not prescribe any qualifications for a person who is eligible to baptize believers. Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19-20 contemplates the entire church, the body of Christ, the gathering of believers who have been called by Jesus Christ. There are therefore no biblical prescriptions for believers who can baptize others. This can be done by pastors, elders, evangelists, mature believers and even ordinary believers depending on the regulations of the church. 

What is significant perhaps is to ensure that the rite is observed with decorum and in honor of Christ.

10 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report