Expert: Brian Thompson - 5/21/2004

Question
Hi there!

I would like to know if a baptized and/or confirmed non-AoG Christian wishes to join the AoG Church, does he/she require to undergo another baptism or confirmation?

Does the AoG Church recognize baptism that is performed:
i) by immersion;
ii) by pouring;
iii) by sprinkling;
iv) in the name of the Holy Trinity;
v) in the name of Lord Jesus Christ;
vi) by Roman Catholic Church;
vii) by Orthodox Churches;
viii) by other Protestant denominations?

Concerning the Holy Communion, are non-AoG Christians (e.g. other Protestant denominations, Roman Catholic, Orthodox etc.) allowed to receive Communion in AoG Church? If so, must he/she be baptized and/or confirmed? Conversely, can AoG members receive Communion in these other churches?

Thank you for your reply.

God bless,
Derek

Answer
Hi Derek

lets try to get this in perspective. AoG isn't hung up on legalism but it does hold certain things to be true according to Scripture.

The AoG will not insist you be baptised but it does recognise full immersion baptism and the  names of the Holy Trinity are usually invoked in the Baptism. The Baptism recognised is therefore a believers baptism, as distinct from the "Christening" cerimony of some traditional churches. Baptism isn't essential for salvation but is done as an obedience to the instructions of Jesus. So if you haven't been through a full immersion baptism you may be invited to do so. Similarily if you have been baptised into a particular church, as some do, you may be invited to pass through the waters again but it is not obligatory.

The communion is an expression of our rememberance of Jesus and His attoning sacrifice, once again in obedience to His instructions. All present in the service may partake of the communion. The AoG dont expect you to wear a label denoting you as a member or communicant. Similarily, an AoG member is free to participate in the commemoration in any other church according to consense.

I think you need to understand that true christianity is a matter of liberty, not regulation. We are accepted in the beloved, that is what matters, not what door we walk in.