Some questions... baptism ...bishop meetings

[Guest mirancs8]

I was just wondering when you get baptized does it have to be someone from your local ward or can it be from another ward? It would be really great to have my old boss (now great friend) or my son's friends father to do it but they are in different wards. It in the end doesn't matter but I was curious to know.

Another question for all of you. I keep reading/hearing about these meetings with the bishop. Do you meet the bishop at his behest or is it strictly when you just feel like you need to talk about something? Do you have to confess to him? I'm just trying to get an idea of these meetings.

Look forward to hearing all your responses.:)

Christine

[MarginOfError]

I was just wondering when you get baptized does it have to be someone from your local ward or can it be from another ward? It would be really great to have my old boss (now great friend) or my son's friends father to do it but they are in different wards. It in the end doesn't matter but I was curious to know.

Another question for all of you. I keep reading/hearing about these meetings with the bishop. Do you meet the bishop at his behest or is it strictly when you just feel like you need to talk about something? Do you have to confess to him? I'm just trying to get an idea of these meetings.

Look forward to hearing all your responses.:)

Christine

A bishop is responsible to make sure that any ordinance performed within his boundaries is performed under proper authority of the priesthood. When the person performing the ordinance is from the same ward, that's pretty easy to do. When the person performing the ordinance is from a different ward, the person should either show the bishop a valid temple recommend or a "recommend to perform an ordinance" (which he can get from his home bishop).

Meetings with the bishop occur whenever the bishop and a member agree to have a meeting. If you feel you need a meeting with your bishop, call the executive secretary and set a time. It's rare that a bishop will deny your request. Depending on the nature of the discussion, he may refer you to one of his counselors, another member, or a professional better suited to address your needs.

You don't have to confess most sins to the bishop, although the Church does prefer that serious transgressions be confessed to the bishop. This allows him to determine if the steps of repentance have been sufficiently followed, provide support in the repentance process, or recommend disciplinary action if necessary. Above all, meetings with the bishop ought to be opportunities to learn about the Atonement and how to apply it to your life.

[tubaloth]

I was just wondering when you get baptized does it have to be someone from your local ward or can it be from another ward? It would be really great to have my old boss (now great friend) or my son's friends father to do it but they are in different wards. It in the end doesn't matter but I was curious to know.

Any worthy person can baptize you (and give the gift of the holy ghost). The key, like it has been stated, is that the person is worthy and can show that his worthy.

Another question for all of you. I keep reading/hearing about these meetings with the bishop. Do you meet the bishop at his behest or is it strictly when you just feel like you need to talk about something?

Both, usually the bishop should meet with you once a year. But sometimes its more often as he sees fit (the youth have a meeting twice a year). Or when you feel you want to talk to him about things. Usually its done by some appointment, but you can always ask him, he probably can find some time.

It would be good to introduce yourself and or talk to the bishop some before you get baptized (but its not really required).

Do you have to confess to him? I'm just trying to get an idea of these meetings.

Not in the normal way of confessions. Usually its more to give an account of your worthiness. Meaning usually you see the bishop when you are asked to serve in the ward (some calling). The Bishop feels (through the spirit) that you would help out in some calling and if you feel it would fit, you accept. Other meetings are mostly the same. If you feel you have a grievous sin you can talk to the bishop about it, more for his guidances and help through it. The Bishop is there to help the ward.

Congrats on the Baptism!

[Guest mirancs8]

Thank you for your posts! I actually met the Bishop when I was invited for a Christmas party at his home by the missionaries. Very nice man. The information you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Don't congrats me yet... I'll let you all know when I actually set the date :)

[pam]

Congratulations...Okay I was never one to follow directions.

[Guest mirancs8]

LOL! You are too funny!!!!!

[eternalpromise516]

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

congratulations!!!!!

i totally know where you're coming from, about meeting with the bishop. i was a little uncomfortable at first and didn't know what to expect, but now that i've met with him twice, i totally love him. just remember that he wants to help you and genuinely cares for you, that helped me a lot.

and any worthy priesthood holder may baptize you, as long as they are a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. however, in order to confirm you a member of the church and give you the gift of the holy ghost, that person and any one standing in the circle must be a temple-worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder. i'm still fairly fresh on the requirements since i was just baptized back in June :)

i'm sooo incredibly excited for you! feel free to PM me if you have any questions at all or just wanna talk :)

[Guest mirancs8]

thank you! I'm very excited as well.

[eternalpromise516]

any updates, mirancs8?

[Guest mirancs8]

Updates? Well not really. I hope soon. I've been going to church every Sunday with the boys and that has been wonderful. I will most certainly give you an update when I am in a better place in my life and my divorce has been finalized.

[Blackmarch]

I was just wondering when you get baptized does it have to be someone from your local ward or can it be from another ward? It would be really great to have my old boss (now great friend) or my son's friends father to do it but they are in different wards. It in the end doesn't matter but I was curious to know.

Another question for all of you. I keep reading/hearing about these meetings with the bishop. Do you meet the bishop at his behest or is it strictly when you just feel like you need to talk about something? Do you have to confess to him? I'm just trying to get an idea of these meetings.

Look forward to hearing all your responses.:)

Christine

No there aren't any ward or stake restrictions.

I had the blessing to have been able ot baptise my younger brother, and at that time i was attending a different ward.

As for the bishop, he is set up as a judge in the church- he may request an interview with you... but usually that's more up to you. The times he will interview is when you want to go through something like baptism, going to the temple, getting the priesthood, or being made part of a leadership. Generally in my experience they contact you and ask when would be a good date to meet.

Do you have to confess to him? Not necessarily... but confession is part of repentance - who you need to confess to depends a lot on the sin commited. For major things like adultery and etc... you probably should (it's very strongly advised)- as he can help you through the repentance process.

If you have a question about any past sins, you've done then yes I'd say ask him about it. And confess as you feel fit (ie it probably won't be necessary gto go into all the details- you can also ask him for help in regards to confessing)

Edited February 9, 2010 by Blackmarch