How to Become Baptist

Last Updated: January 16, 2023

So, you want to become Baptist? There are many Baptist denominations which include Southern Baptist, American Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Free Will Baptist, Community Baptist, and Independent Baptist, with no Baptist denomination. Since each Baptist church is autonomous, becoming a Baptist may be slightly different in each congregation.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Researching Other Denominations

1
Look into other denominations, not just Baptist. There are many other beautiful denominations out there. These include Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican (similarly Episcopal), Methodist, Presbyterian, United Christian, Churches of Christ; Church of God and Assembly of God called "full gospel" (and other Pentecostal groups), "nondenominational" and many others.
2
Ask for their sheet of beliefs called fundamental beliefs, basic tenets, "Statement of Fundamental Truths", "What we believe", or such.

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3
If you have decided that you are picking Baptist, make sure you do one last check. Compare Baptist theology to the Bible and to the early church to make sure you feel 100% on becoming a Baptist.
4
Decide which Baptist denomination you want to pick. There are many of them so it may take a while to decide. The biggest denomination of Baptist is the Southern Baptist Convention, so you may want to join them.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Finding a Church

1
Look online for a Baptist Church near you, and decide when to attend it.
2
Attend that particular church and decide whether you want to stay. If you decide you don't like it, look for other churches.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Inquiring

1
Talk to the Pastor about becoming Baptist, and he will give you instructions.
2
He'll ask you if you have accepted Jesus into your heart. If you have, you're all set with that part. If you have not, he may ask you to say a simple prayer accepting Jesus. After that you're done.
3
Next you want to get baptized, you may have already become Christian according to Baptists, but you have not become "baptist" yet. You will become a "baptist" when you're baptized. So make a date with the Pastor on when your baptism will be and then get baptized.

Community Q&A

Question

How does a Nazareen pastor become a Baptist pastor?

Community Answer

There isn't one answer regarding how to become a Baptist pastor, since some churches may require a theological degree, others may train you or mentor you through firsthand experience, etc. Churches vary, so you may wish to talk to various pastors to get their input. Then pray and seek the path you feel you are being guided to.
Question

I am a Catholic and believe in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. However, other Christians have said that Catholics are pagans. What should I do?

Community Answer

You should probably explain to these other Christians exactly what you believe in, because some people who say they are Catholics may actually be pagans (in other words, they show up to church on holidays and for special events, but don't live their lives as true followers of Christ). Explaining what you believe exactly will help them understand that you believe in Jesus.

Warnings

You may be considered a Baptist once you get baptized, but your church attendance will not be counted and recorded unless you attend Sunday School and get on the attendance role sheet there.

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Baptism is by full immersion, so hold your breath! This isn't to be taken lightly or as a joke.

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Each church shares most of the same theology, but each Baptist church may differ over things concerning Calvinism and Arminianism, or over the real presence in the Eucharist.

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