Can any Christian man baptize another person?
Question:
Good day.
I obeyed the gospel of Christ nearly ten years ago. My question to you is: Can I baptize someone? Let me give you the scenario. I go to worship service with my children, and my son wants to get baptized, but he is fearful of getting in front of the congregation to confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So, can I baptize him?
Answer:
There are no requirements placed on who may do the baptism. I often have other members of the congregation doing the baptisms here, and it is common for fathers to baptize their children.
However, I also think that confession of Christ is important. "Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (I Timothy 6:12). It doesn't have to be done before or after services. It can be done at any time, but your son needs to be bold enough to admit to his belief in front of witnesses (Matthew 10:32). He is going to face people who try to pick on him because of his faith, and he needs to display some courage -- courage that will build as he grows older. Remind him that everyone there is his family and that he doesn't have to give a huge speech. Offer to stand beside him if that makes him more comfortable.
Response:
Thank you.
