| I have concerns and questions about baptism of infants whose parents are not members of any church. A number of such baptisms have occurred in my WELS church. Members have questioned the pastor about why he performs these baptisms. The pastor says that he baptizes these infants because the Bible directs us to baptize. I agree that the infants should be baptized. However, I have concerns about the parents. The pastor said he asks the parents if they would like to become members of the church and that a number of them said that they want their child to be baptized but are not interested in attending church.
- Why would parents want to baptize their child, but not attend church? It appears that perhaps the parents do not have an understanding of the true nature of baptism.
- Do they view baptism as merely a ceremony to give a name to their child?
- Does WELS have any program for instructing the unchurched about baptism before the baptism of their child takes place, so that the parents could know the true nature of this sacrament and the obligations of the parents regarding baptism?
- Is the service of baptism the same for children of members and non-members?
I ask this question because the service for holy baptism on pages 12-14 of our hymnal appears to be for infants whose parents are Christian. The exhortation (page 14) states: "Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that . .. may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength."
- If parents do not want to become church members, how can they truthfully make this promise?
- How can the pastor ask them to make that promise when the parents have told him that they are not interested in attending church?
- Is there a separate baptism service for children of non-members which omits this exhortation?
- If so, does this mean that non-member parents who bring their child for baptism do not have an obligation to bring their child up in the Christian faith?
- What view does WELS hold regarding the baptism of children whose parents do not wish to be church members?
- Does the Bible speak directly to these issues?
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