Diff baptism but want to join local church
You can ask the Pastor if it is allowed. Some churches modify their policy for "on a case by case basis" for allowing you to join there...but it is after they have had time to really examine you and your life to see that you really are saved and showing fruit proof. See discussion. You can point to this audio example to the pastor of a church you are attending if that is your case, for considering your case. And ask him to contact that Pastor to discuss it further for guidance.
Just know, it is not the norm, since baptism is a picture of a person showing "the death to self and raising to spiritual life; from death in Christ to resurrected in Christ showing the witnesses of the event that you are a new creation". If you decide to get baptized again but by immersion it gives you an opportunity to invite all the unsaved and possible false converts you know so you can share your testimony and ask the pastor to, (when you exit the baptismal pool), share a clear gospel message with the attendees (plus tie it to what baptism represents). Just like the Lord's Supper; both are symbolic.
Then have a refreshments time gathering afterwards. And there let people ask the Pastor particular questions (in writing; use a survey at the door) that he can address at the refreshments party or by email. That can help many get rid of misunderstandings about various topics and help lead those you know closer to salvation.
Here's ideas for the party.
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What if I am a believer and have already been baptized in the past by immersion but the church I have been visiting and thinking of joining tells me they do not let anyone join unless they are rebaptized?
I would not join that church. They're adding to and forcing upon people something that isnt biblical. If they were baptized all they need is either the believers word and testomony that they got saved and baptized in the past, or a letter from the church or Christian who immersion baptized you.
Any church imposing such a thing is not likely one that is focused on love, and freedom in Christ. All they had to do was check for fruit and growth; observe your life for a time period, go through a Pastors counseling to discuss your life in detail and have you go through a new members class.
See points made in above link on how churches in Scripture in early days added new believers.
However, if the church is using baptism to put you "under the authority of the Church" (as above link notes) then if you see it as the leaders and congregants being all up in your life as they should be and the Pastors being responsible for your spiritual walk... then sure feel free to get baptized. But clarify that is why they want you to do that. If it is very clear that you are saved, been baptized to obey Scripture in the past, and they're only connecting baptism to membership there for that purpose... you could do it. 🤔
Scripture doesnt say to rebaptize if you change congregations. It says one baptism. So you have to find out/decide if theyre pushing something wonky or unbiblical in that requirement by not accepting your word or baptism letter from prev church (noted in link) and consider then theyve likely got other unbiblical practices happening there. 🤷🏻♂️
Hope this helps, God bless.
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