[jeff@eli.wariat.org: baptisim] -Reply

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On Fri, 18 Jul 1997, Robert J. Brown wrote:

> In this case, if no licensed minister were available, one of the other
> nursing home workers would perform the baptism.  The limiting factor
> in this case is the availability of a place to baptize her, as she is
> wheel chair bound and paralyzed on her left side.  I think the use of
> licensed ministers to perform baptism is a convention rather than a
> requirement.  Due to the legal nature (as a piece of identification)
> of a baptismal certificate, and the sentiments of others as well as
> the participant, the use of a licensed minister may add the appearance
> of authority to the occasion, not that it is needed.  I believe any
> Holy Ghost filled person can baptize if the occasion demands it.  How
> else were the ministers at the turn of the century baptized?
> 

I would have to concur.  Baptism can be performed by the Holy Ghost filled
saint in time of need.  Such was the case with my baptism-- I was baptized
just north of the Iraqi-Kuwait border.  There weren't any *Licensed
Ministers* around, just a preacher of the gospel.  After God moved in a
miraculous way, well, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?"

It is, of course, customary to have a Pastor baptize new converts, but
isn't biblically required.  I you wouldn't even have to be baptized by
someone that had been baptized themselves (please remember that Jesus is
the difference between being baptized and getting wet).

Question:  Were the apostles baptized in water in Jesus' name?

Brad