How Long to Wait for Baptism or Membership?

[Dr. Bob]

Many churches opt for immediate baptism (make a profession/walk the aisle and then into the tank). Others delay for 3-6 months to catechize the new believer in basic Christian doctrine and purpose of baptism.

Same for membership. If a believer is baptized and wants to join a church, they give testimony and immediately are accepted into full membership. Others have imposed a time period to verify character/past of any individual before membership.

Does YOUR church have "immediate" or "delayed" policy on either/both baptism and membership? All thoughts and reasoning for the positions welcome for discussion.

 

[Reynolds]

Many churches opt for immediate baptism (make a profession/walk the aisle and then into the tank). Others delay for 3-6 months to catechize the new believer in basic Christian doctrine and purpose of baptism.

Same for membership. If a believer is baptized and wants to join a church, they give testimony and immediately are accepted into full membership. Others have imposed a time period to verify character/past of any individual before membership.

Does YOUR church have "immediate" or "delayed" policy on either/both baptism and membership? All thoughts and reasoning for the positions welcome for discussion.

Baptism is immediate. Membership can be granted as immediate or as "watch care" which is provisional. I can't recall ever placing someone in "watch care".
We have denied membership on a couple of occasions.

 

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

Our current Church has a delay on Membership and a required class that potential members must complete with the Elders. No delay on Baptism though.

 

[Iconoclast]

A membership class is a prerequisite.