Free Baptism questions

[Rxlx]

For some time I've thought that a possible way to reverse the terrible decline in church attendance and belief in GOD might be to offer free baptisms from a base in a spacious ground with plenty parking and central to a large population.

I've only seen one tent meeting locally and that was years ago as passenger in a car whose driver refused to stop to check out dates and times etc.

The ground I have in mind has permament structures and presumably running water so could be economically outfitted with an immersion pool, changing/drying rooms, a dais to teach from and seating.

But in view of the great ignorance about GOD, Jesus and the Bible message I'd demand baptisees have some grasp of basic Bible doctrines in order to weed out the tares, pagans and heretics.

Can you all give me a few questions to put to potential baptisees to weed out the insincere?

 

[Twistie]

I been wanting to go n be re dedicated because my parents had baptized me as a child but I'm waiting until the Lord shows me where to go

As it is written

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh..


♡⁠(⁠>⁠ ⁠ਊ⁠ ⁠<⁠)⁠♡

 

[MedicBravo]

No one can accept Jesus for someone else.
Ask her about Indulgences and this "missing" book of Traditions where 99% of what Catholics do and believe come from.

 

[Rhema]

might be to offer free baptisms

I have never heard of a baptism where money was charged.

I'd demand baptisees have some grasp of basic Bible doctrines in order to weed out the tares, pagans and heretics.

But aren't they the very people whom God wants to repent? Why wouldn't you just preach the gospel?

economically outfitted with an immersion pool

I recall one street ministry that used a plastic horse-watering trough.

changing/drying rooms

A couple of camping tents, towels, etc. They'd be put to a better use than just for the homeless.

But once people respond to the gospel, then what? Where are you going to put them? Is this just to build up your church membership?

I've only seen one tent meeting locally and that was years ago as passenger in a car whose driver refused to stop to check out dates and times etc.

That brings back memories. As a small child I was brought (dragged?) to many tent meetings. There was the typical Billy Graham "Come down front" altar call, with prayer offered, and possibly a tract handed out, but come to think of it, baptism was certainly missing. Maybe because of Paul:

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;​

(1 Corinthians 1:14 KJV)

a possible way to reverse the terrible decline in church attendance

Here, where I'm at, there's a church on every corner and now one in the middle. Doesn't seem to help. But the trend is toward shutting down these local old "castle style" buildings and moving to large upscale converted warehouses - as they try to follow the North Point Community Church model (Life is complicated. You want to get it right. We want to help.).

The one near me is Lives Changed By Christ | LCBC Church and yes, 25 locations and just one pastor - all "zoom remote" simulcast.

 

[MedicBravo]

When the CC spends too much money they bring back indulges and start charging for services.
You know. Access to God has to be behind a paywall when the CC needs it to.

 

[Christ4Ever]

For some time I've thought that a possible way to reverse the terrible decline in church attendance and belief in GOD might be to offer free baptisms from a base in a spacious ground with plenty parking and central to a large population.

I've only seen one tent meeting locally and that was years ago as passenger in a car whose driver refused to stop to check out dates and times etc.

The ground I have in mind has permament structures and presumably running water so could be economically outfitted with an immersion pool, changing/drying rooms, a dais to teach from and seating.

But in view of the great ignorance about GOD, Jesus and the Bible message I'd demand baptisees have some grasp of basic Bible doctrines in order to weed out the tares, pagans and heretics.

Can you all give me a few questions to put to potential baptisees to weed out the insincere?

Dear Sister,
I would be curious of the results!

On what to ask of those who step forward. Well, you won't have to worry about that if you present the Gospel and then ask them to step forward to be baptized. I would think that presenting the Gospel at this time, might be the most appropriate.
As far as weeding out the insincere, leave that to the Holy Spirit. They'll always for some reason be those who will do it to go along with the crowd; because everyone else is doing it motivation.

Still, it does sound interesting, and I'll pray that it is fruitful to the Glory, Honor & Praise of our God! \o/

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[Rxlx]

When I said Free I meant it in the sense of being free of charge because most people haven't a clue about church costs but know weddings and funerals have lots of costs.
But I also mean it in the sense of being free of all the established churches which are all dying from lack of Gospel preaching and pandering to all sorts of nonChristians such as New Agers, treehuggers, etc etc.
Costs of wedding in the Anglican church in my town: The cost of church weddings | The Church of England.
Certain options may not be available to you as a mixed-faith couple. For example, a synagogue wedding can only happen if both partners are Jewish – this is the secular law rather than any rule drawn up by rabbis. Most Muslim authorities would not agree to perform a Nikah (Muslim marriage rite) for a Muslim woman marrying a non-Muslim, unless he converts.

Can anyone administer a baptism?
Ordinarily, a bishop or priest (or, in the Western church, a deacon) administers the sacrament; but, if necessary, anyone can validly do so. People are sometimes surprised to learn that a non-Christian or even an atheist can perform a baptism.

Immediately after hearing the gospel message and placing his faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of his sins from Philip interpreting the book of Isaiah , the Ethiopian Eunuch requested baptism and Philip immediately did so in the nearest water.

Baptizing someone does not require a special rank, education, or training.

 

[Rxlx]

There are rare programs on UK tv where religion is discussed and it is perfectly obvious the audience and the hosts don't have much clue of Bible basics - or perhaps daren't speak them for fear of being called racist, homophobic, Islamophobic, elitists, etc etc.
That audience is what I'd like to reach out regardles of the likely howlings from the establish dying churches..

 

[Rxlx]

Baptism service cost

• Church of England: Baptisms are free, but donations to help maintain the church are appreciated
  
  
• Christ Church Thornton: Baptisms are free, but there is a statutory charge for an official baptism certificate
  
  
• St Michael's Church: Baptisms are free, but there is a cost for a full baptism certificate
  
  
• Holy Cross: Baptisms are free, but donations to the church are appreciated
  
  
• Sacred Heart Wimbledon: There is no set fee for a baptism, but donations of £100–£200 are usual
  
  
• Roman Catholic Church: Baptisms are free, but donations to the church are customary
  

Certificate cost

• Christ Church Thornton: There is a statutory charge of £15 for an official baptism certificate
  
  
• St Michael's Church: There is a cost of £18 for a full baptism certificate

 

[Christ4Ever]

Note: I spent a couple of years in the UK while I was in the military and found that the Government will tax you for just about everything! I had never heard of a radio tax until I got there. Amazing! My belief at the time was that if they could figure out a way of taxing your breathing they would do so!

Glad to see at least the Baptisms are free!

 

[Rxlx]

a licence to have a tv and watch it is now £170 or about $220!
a licence was needed to have a pet dog until not long ago!
Here in England a pellet gun can be bought and owned without cost but in Scotland it is £72 or almost $100.
Year licence for a small car is about £120 $160. Goodness knows what it is for a big car.

Indirectly all these licences and taxes make people curse GOD for their poverty.

 

[Rhema]

The Church of England.

I think you may have uncovered the problem !!

The Didache, Chapter 7, provides instruction regarding Baptism:

"And concerning baptism, baptize this way; Having first said all these things (the previous six chapters of teaching about the two commandments would be declared to the initiate), baptize in living water (a flowing stream or river). But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast and the baptized, and whoever else can (within the community); but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before."​

The early church had a bit more serious view of baptism than today. It would be seen as a commitment to follow Christ - in essence, an oath to God - a rite of initiation into the Christian community, as opposed to an individual expression of belief.

Not sure if this helps, but it was a long standing practice before the Catholics changed things around.

Rhema

 

[Rxlx]

Philip baptised the Ethiopian after just hours? of learning about Isaih and Jesus.
But I remember reading about JWs having mass baptisms but no idea if they did the fasting beforehand.
One English vicar baptises children in a river on the hills in September!

 

[Rhema]

I had always thought baptism to be an obvious public acclaim of repentance before God.

Then awhile back I ran into the view that it's an initiation ritual into the church society. Seems baptism as an initiation ritual had been around even before Paul.

I gather, then, that one first needs to decide which purpose of baptism to use.