A couple of questions for Lutheran Moms..(or any mom for that matter)

Ramona - posted on 11/04/2010

I am born and raised in the Lutheran church (Missouri Synod) and also in the Latvian American Luthera Church. Lutherans baptize babies usually early. No set time, but usually as infants. They usually have Godparents. I told dh (who is a practising Catholic) that at least one Godparent of each of our kids had to be a practicing Lutheran.

Margaret - posted on 11/03/2010

Hi Erin. You will not have to be confirmed but most churches have new member classes for you to attend. In those classes you can ask any doctrine questions you may have. Also - Lutheran's believe in one baptism so if you were baptized as a baby that will not be needed. I am sure they will do it for you if you feel you truly were not formally baptized though. Most parents choose God parents to help and encourage you to raise your child in the Christian faith. Seeds are planted during baptism and continue to be watered by teaching your child the word through Church, Sunday school and confirmation. I would encourage you to join a small group in your church so that you can continue on your journey of building on your relationship with Jesus. May God Bless you and your family.
Margaret

Sarah - posted on 11/03/2010

My suggestion would be to just sit down and talk with your pastor about your questions. Each church even in the same denomination will do things a little different. Most churches just require new members to take a new member class (each church will have variations on how they do the class or what books they use). Once you have completed the class you then become a member. You do not need to be rebaptized....most churches believe that once you have been baptized then you are baptized. If you have not been baptized you can do so at that time. As for baptizing your baby usually this happens when they are newborns some people do it sooner then others. I think in my church the most common was when they were a few months old, but some will do it when they are a few weeks old and others will do it closer to 6 month old. Sometimes families do it sooner or later because they are wanting certain family members to be present at the baptism. It is customary in the Lutheran faith to choose Godparents (though today not all parents do so). The Godparents are people that are to help guide you and your child in the faith. Sometimes people get the role of Godparents and Guardians mixed up. Godparents can be the person(s) you would pick to care for your children if anything were to happen to you and your husband (guardians)...but it does not have to be. The Godparents are more of a support and guidence for the Christian faith for you and your child. If you did want the Godparents to be guardians you will need to make a living will to have this stated.

Dana - posted on 10/30/2010

Erin,
My whole family is Lutheran, both sides and I went Penteocostal! The doctrine and liturgy was great and we are all baptized a few weeks after birth with Godparents at our side. You are placed in a unique position to open the eyes and hearts of many to a God who's heart is open, accepting and not full of doctrine and traditional ways of life. Wishing you fun and ability to enlighten many Erin.

Erin - posted on 10/29/2010

Thank you! What is Alpha course?
I know that as a pentecostal, babies are dedicated after they are born basically as a symbol from the parents to the church saying that they will raise their child in the ways of the church. And when they child is old enough to decide they want to live for Christ and accept him into their hearts and lives, they are baptized.
My husband and I were thinking about asking his cousin and his wife about being Godparents. I just didnt know how important Godparents were in the Lutheran faith.

Rana - posted on 10/28/2010

I was not raised in a church but the church I belong to is Lutheran. I talked to our pastor shortly after we were married and he said that basically I was too old for comfirmation. he recommended I attend an Alpha course which is awesome!! I learned a lot and made some good Christian friends that were much needed. I was baptized as a baby and have 3 Godparents. Our oldest 2 have 2 Godparents each I think. I wasn't around then. Our youngest 2 were quite small when they were baptized. They also have 4 Godparents each (we had a hard time deciding). Most of the kids born into our church are baptized as babies but we have had members as old as 50 get baptized. On the other hand my brother and sister in law had all of their kids dedicated and then when they are old enough to decide they will be baptized. They are kind of weird tho the way they do thing so I don't know...
Hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to add me to our circle :)
God Bless!!