A pastor performs online baptism for new believers in his congregation. This unusual event has sparked a great deal of discussion and debate within the Christian community. Baptism is one of the most significant ordinances given by Christ to His church, and for that reason, any change in its practice naturally raises questions. The pastor made the following statement to justify his actions:
“As a shepherd, I care about the life of my sheep.”
From this statement, we can clearly see the pastoral concern behind the decision to baptize his congregation. The pastor appears to be motivated by a sincere desire to care for the spiritual well-being of those under his responsibility. Baptism, after all, is a public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ, and for many believers it represents an important step in their walk with God. The question that naturally arises, however, is not about the pastor’s intention, but about whether performing baptism online aligns with the biblical teaching and historical practice of the church.
This action has caused many to ask: is it correct to perform baptism in this way? Until recently, such a practice would have been almost unimaginable. Throughout church history, baptism has been carried out in physical settings, involving the presence of the believer, water, and the gathered community of faith. For this reason, this event has drawn attention as one of the first of its kind and has challenged long-held assumptions about how biblical ordinances should be administered.
Those who support the pastor’s decision often emphasize the extraordinary circumstances in which the church finds itself in the modern world. With the rise of online worship, virtual fellowship, and digital communication, some argue that the church must adapt its practices in order to continue ministering effectively. From this perspective, online baptism is seen as an extension of pastoral care in a time when physical gatherings may be limited or impossible.
On the other hand, many believers and theologians express serious concerns about this approach. Baptism is not merely a symbolic gesture performed in isolation; it is an ordinance instituted by Christ, involving the physical act of immersion or washing with water as a visible sign of an inward spiritual reality. In Scripture, baptism is consistently associated with a gathered body of believers and a tangible, communal witness to the believer’s faith.
This online baptism has drawn a lot of attention, as nothing like this has ever been done on such a public scale. For many Christians, the practice feels foreign and even unsettling. While the pastor’s intentions may be good and rooted in genuine concern for his congregation, good intentions alone are not sufficient to justify changes to foundational church practices. The church has always been called to evaluate its actions in light of Scripture, not merely cultural trends or technological possibilities.
The Bible presents baptism as an act that follows repentance and faith, administered by the church as a visible sign of union with Christ. In passages such as Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38–41, baptism is clearly connected to the life of the local church and the public confession of faith. The presence of the church community serves as both a witness and a means of accountability, affirming the believer’s profession of faith.
One of the primary concerns regarding online baptism is the absence of physical presence. Can baptism truly be considered biblical if the pastor and the believer are not physically together? Does directing someone remotely to baptize themselves preserve the meaning and intent of the ordinance? These are important questions that deserve careful theological reflection rather than quick conclusions.
Historically, the church has guarded the sacraments and ordinances with great care, understanding their importance in the life of believers. Baptism has never been treated as a private act detached from the body of Christ, but as a public testimony within the covenant community. For this reason, many argue that removing the physical and communal aspects of baptism risks reducing it to a purely symbolic or individual experience.
In the image above, we can see the pastor giving the young man directions on what he needs to do in order to receive baptism online. This visual representation highlights the uniqueness of the event and underscores why it has generated so much discussion. The image captures a moment that would have been inconceivable just a few decades ago, illustrating how technology is reshaping religious practices.
Supporters of this practice may argue that God is not limited by physical distance and that faith and obedience are matters of the heart. While this is certainly true, it is also true that God has chosen to work through tangible means and established patterns within the church. The challenge lies in discerning where flexibility is appropriate and where faithfulness to biblical instruction must take precedence.
Ultimately, this situation invites the broader Christian community to reflect deeply on the nature of baptism, the authority of Scripture, and the role of pastoral care. Rather than reacting solely with approval or condemnation, believers are called to examine the Scriptures carefully and seek wisdom from God. The church must balance compassion, pastoral concern, and doctrinal faithfulness in every generation.
Do you think it is correct to perform baptisms in this way? This question cannot be answered lightly. It requires thoughtful consideration of biblical teaching, church history, and the purpose of baptism itself. We invite you to reflect on this issue prayerfully and to engage in respectful discussion with fellow believers.
Leave us your comment with your opinion in the light of the Scriptures. Let us seek together to honor Christ, remain faithful to His Word, and shepherd His people with wisdom, humility, and love.