Anyone baptised for the first time as an adult?

[Spoonful of Sugar]

I was never baptised as a baby, and now I am beginning the process of being baptised into my church. I'm really shy and not looking forward to going up in front of everyone, and adding to my nervousness is my feeling that others may find it strange that I'm an adult being baptised. I'm sure it's not the most unusual thing in the world, but I'd love to know if other people have done this, so I don't feel like the only one. Just looking for some moral support, I guess.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

I was never baptised as a baby, and now I am beginning the process of being baptised into my church. I'm really shy and not looking forward to going up in front of everyone, and adding to my nervousness is my feeling that others may find it strange that I'm an adult being baptised. I'm sure it's not the most unusual thing in the world, but I'd love to know if other people have done this, so I don't feel like the only one. Just looking for some moral support, I guess.

Ironically in the process of having my dd baptised I found out that I had never been baptised (no one ever mentioned it to me). Odd since I have four older siblings who were all baptised.

So I started the process and did go through it. I was with several other adults. The childrens baptism was held at a different time.

It was a little werid but my church and family were so supportive.

So don't worry you are not the only one out there!!

 

[laurie31]

It is a common practice in our church; a person in our denomination is not baptized until they choose to become a Christian for themselves. Children may be baptized, but we are careful that the child is old enough to understand the choice they are making. They usually go to classes to make sure they understand what they are saying they believe. (we do something different with infants, called "baby dedication" but it does not make them church members)

Anyway, it's not at all uncommon for adults; we even have married couples who are baptized together.

 

[PlainJane]

I was baptized when I was 8, but I plan to be re-baptized at some later point because while it was my choice to be baptized, I at the time didn't understand the meaning behind it (I realize this can be a touchy subject, I would appreciate it if it weren't debated).

OP: I'm shy too, so I understand the apprehension you're feeling. Just remember that you're following your faith, and I can't think of even one of my Christian friends who wouldn't be supportive of that. Also, Jesus was baptized as an adult.

 

[golfgal]

The Catholic Church has a conversion process called RCIA. The adults generally go through a year long process and are initiated into the church during the Easter Vigil (Saturday night Mass before Easter Sunday). Quite often there are adults that have never been baptized. The Catholic church recognizes a baptism in any faith so not all adults do this but usually there are one or two.

 

[Ohiodislover]

I know many people who were babtized as adults. It is not uncommon

But I'm not sure why your church would MAKE you go in front of everyone, if you are uncomfortable. Can you ask for a private babtism? It doesn't make you less babtized if only a few close friends/family are around.

 

[ramerjamer]

It is a common practice in our church; a person in our denomination is not baptized until they choose to become a Christian for themselves. Children may be baptized, but we are careful that the child is old enough to understand the choice they are making. They usually go to classes to make sure they understand what they are saying they believe. (we do something different with infants, called "baby dedication" but it does not make them church members)

Anyway, it's not at all uncommon for adults; we even have married couples who are baptized together.

This is the same at our church. My wife and I were 30 when we were baptized. We really didnt grow up in church. Thats why it took us so long.

 

[Spinning]

I was also baptized as an adult. I did during my joining of the church. It wasn't bad. I didn't get dunked...just the water on the forhead. My minister did make one little joke, which was funny, usually when the babies are baptized he holds then and then walks down the pews for us to see. He said he was going to pass on that this time..it was funny.

 

[ramerjamer]

We were both dunked...completely submerged.

 

[XTinabell]

I was baptized at 19 by my choice. I'm not sure what church you go to but I'm a non denominational christian so I believe that one should not be baptized until they are old enough to understand what it means. I was also baptized at my church after hours and invited my family and few close friends of the church. There were only about 10 people present and it was still a little nerve wracking but the moments of baptism was incredible for me. Made me completely forget that everyone was watching me.
Both my parents were adults when they were baptized and many people I know were well in their 30's and 40's when they were baptized. I think Jesus himself was in his 30's.

 

[NY Disney fan]

We were both dunked...completely submerged.

I was baptized January 28, 2010. Just a few months ago. I was also baptized as a baby. I was a little nervous going up there but I was baptized with so many others and everyone in the audience just cheered us on so it was cool. They dunk you backwards too! Just think about what it all means and how happy you will be afterwards.

 

[HOGFAN]

me. and remember that the process is not between you and the church but between you and God and He welcomes you at 'any' age.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

The Catholic Church has a conversion process called RCIA. The adults generally go through a year long process and are initiated into the church during the Easter Vigil (Saturday night Mass before Easter Sunday). Quite often there are adults that have never been baptized. The Catholic church recognizes a baptism in any faith so not all adults do this but usually there are one or two.

ANd actually it is easier for them then those who were baptized. I was baptized but dh never was.

 

[Buckalew11]

I think what you are feeling is common. I was baptized by submersion at 10 and even though I was a kid, I was worried sick. One reason being at that point in time, I was afraid to go under water! I was sprinkled as a baby but made the decision myself at 10 to be baptized because I knew now what I believed in.

The people of the church are so happy for you that they don't think it is weird. choosing faith in God is the most important decision a person makes in this lifetime. People are rejoicing with you and for you. You'll do fine!

 

[Muushka]

I was baptized as an infant. I was happily baptized as an adult, by choice.

 

[ead79]

It is a common practice in our church; a person in our denomination is not baptized until they choose to become a Christian for themselves. Children may be baptized, but we are careful that the child is old enough to understand the choice they are making. They usually go to classes to make sure they understand what they are saying they believe. (we do something different with infants, called "baby dedication" but it does not make them church members)

Anyway, it's not at all uncommon for adults; we even have married couples who are baptized together.

This is the case at my church as well. We see people of all ages come to be baptized, and I can assure you that no one thinks anything but great things about each person taking that step of faith to make a public profession of their beliefs.

I think it's perfectly natural to be a bit nervous about being in front of a crowd, but just remember why you're doing it and focus on that. Know that the congregation is happy for you!

Earlier this year we had an older gentleman who wanted to be baptized. He used a cane and had trouble getting around, but it meant a lot to him understadably. It took him about 7 or so minutes to get into the baptismal pool, but no one thought a thing of it--they were just pleased as punch that he was doing it!

 

[Luvchefmic]

This is the case at my church as well. We see people of all ages come to be baptized, and I can assure you that no one thinks anything but great things about each person taking that step of faith to make a public profession of their beliefs.

I think it's perfectly natural to be a bit nervous about being in front of a crowd, but just remember why you're doing it and focus on that. Know that the congregation is happy for you!

Earlier this year we had an older gentleman who wanted to be baptized. He used a cane and had trouble getting around, but it meant a lot to him understadably. It took him about 7 or so minutes to get into the baptismal pool, but no one thought a thing of it--they were just pleased as punch that he was doing it!

Oh this is beautiful, God bless him & you too OP I am 55 and planning to convert to Catholic I will dance up to the priest with joy

 

[Golf4food]

In more than a few denominations you do not baptise children - you are only baptised after you are older and make the decision to accept Christ on your own (Jesus said "repent and be baptised", not "be born and be baptised"). Many adults get baptised all the time. Nothing at all to be ashamed of. Be happy and rejoice!

 

[sbell111]

The Catholic Church has a conversion process called RCIA. The adults generally go through a year long process and are initiated into the church during the Easter Vigil (Saturday night Mass before Easter Sunday). Quite often there are adults that have never been baptized. The Catholic church recognizes a baptism in any faith so not all adults do this but usually there are one or two.

That's actually not true. The Church recognizes baptisms of many other religions, but not all.

 

[gate_pourri]

I was baptized at the age of 23. It was really a very simple process and there were another 10 or so adults getting baptised at the same time.

Now, at 27, having really thought hard about what I believe in religiously, am going through the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program in the Catholic church. Having already been baptized, I will only have to go through 1st communion and confirmation on Holy Saturday. There are about 50 adults in my class (we have been going to class once a week since September), and about 25 of them need to also be baptized.