Mennonite Baptism (Part 2)

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  The following groups are inclined towards, but do not necessarily require, immersion (submerge) baptism

                                  EMMC
   Baptism is usually done at a river, often in groups and from what I understand it is something that is expected of a person after declares he has accepted Christ. Proof of genuine repentance and new birth do not appear to be obligatory, simply a verbal assent of belief in Jesus Christ. It's your heart that matters, nothing else. A baptismal service can be attended by anyone.

              Other Charismatic Churches
  While there is a stronger emphasis on accepting Jesus Christ and following it with baptism, there is also no questions asked about a person's previous life. A person could appear out of nowhere, attend services for 2 Sundays in a row, and step in the river with a baptismal group on the 3rd Sunday. I attended a service once where the pastor looked over the crowd and said, "I won't ask you questions, but if you feel like you need baptism, come on in." Well, I'm only a journalist, not a judge. Each church has their way of doing things so I'll leave it there. Anyways some of these churches sometimes hold a meal after a baptism.

     Non-Traditional, Non-Denominational
  Perhaps I'm being too general with this heading. You see there are non-traditional yet conservative Mennonite churches and at the other end those non-denominational yet very liberal churches. How a church views baptism is based on their pastor's interpretation of it. If the pastor believes submersion is the only way and is a solemn, sacred affair then that's how the congregation will practice it. But if their leader holds it in a rather casual view and leaves it to the applicant to decide his own method of baptism, the whole church will follow suit.



                                               A. Mendoza


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