When I was eight years old, my parents moved to Southern California.  My father was a rocket scientist and had left his teaching position at Johns Hopkins University to work at Jet Propulsion Labs.  When we arrived in Los Angeles, we were suddenly no longer Jewish, and faith was never mentioned again in the household.  My mother did say once in awhile, that she’d had a Catholic governess, who had baptized her, but my mother never once went to a Church that I recall.

At the beginning of each school year, all the students filled out emergency cards—whom to contact if our parents weren’t home, any medical problems or allergies, etc.  There was always a space on the card to list your religious affiliation, and I always left mine blank.  I simply had nothing to write there.  As I approached my mid-teens, I began to feel bereft.  Not only that I should be able to fill in that space, but that there was a huge hole in my life and in my understanding that was meant to be filled.  I began to attend various churches with my neighbors, and I enjoyed them all.

One Sunday when I was 15, I telephoned a girlfriend to see whether she’d like to attend a movie with me.  She very politely and thoroughly explained why she kept the Sabbath day holy, and how movie-going was not considered a Sabbath activity.  When I hung up, I felt embarrassed.  I felt that I should somehow know about the Sabbath and what you do or don’t do on that special day.  Shortly after, she invited me to a “Youth Conference” presentation at her church.  I had enjoyed every church function I had attended with my neighbors, so I readily said yes.  That empty place within me was growing more bothersome.  I desperately felt the need to fill it.

Indeed, I had been to many churches.  But when I entered this one, I experienced something profoundly new—a sudden and overwhelming feeling of absolute joy, which also seemed to have affected everyone in attendance.  I knew I was in the right place, and that my life was about to change.  Two sister missionaries began teaching me in the evenings at “cottage meetings,” which a number of the youth of the ward attended with me.  Watching the conversion process was as enlightening for them as being converted was for me.  Everything I was taught settled in like I had already known it all before.

I remember how frightened these sisters were to teach me the lesson on Joseph Smith and his “First Vision.”  I suppose many people had gone along just fine with their lessons until they got to that point, and then stalled when taught that a modern man had seen God the Father and Jesus Christ.  But for me, it was perfectly logical.  If prophets of old had seen visions, why not now?  It was more illogical to consider that visions had altogether ceased.  Why should they?  I remember the Sisters’ question, “Do you think you can believe that Joseph Smith really had a vision?”  My reply of “of course” was a great relief to them.

My parents fought me, but thinking that my conversion would only be temporary (I was dating a boy in the ward by then; they thought—new boy, new religion), they relented.  I was baptized a few months after I turned 16.  I joined the Church in 1962, and its teachings and spiritual power protected me from many of the upheavals of the 1960’s. 

I’ve been a member of the Church for 47 years.  I married in the temple to a wonderful returned missionary, and we’ve been married for 42 years.  We have 6 children and 11 grandchildren—all active in the Church.  We’ve lived in 4 countries and traveled in many others, have exciting careers, great friends, and a lot of fun.  Of course there have been challenges, but the gospel and the True Church have the power to guide, heal, and strengthen.  I’ve learned personally that God loves me and has specific things He wants me to accomplish.  We live by the Spirit and follow its promptings.  Joining the Church was the best decision I ever made.

Members of the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ has commanded them to take the Gospel to every creature, to every nation, tongue and people.

To do this, the Mormon Church has the largest missionary force of any church.  Nearly 55,000 at given moment are preaching the message of the Gospel as restored through living prophets like Joseph Smith.

Many people have misunderstandings or misconceptions about Mormon missionaries and what they teach. This site discusses what Mormon missionaries do as they seek to teach others about their beliefs and what those beliefs are.

What will they do when they visit me?

Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family.  For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience.  Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable.  You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with the missionaries.  Mormons believe that it is important to openly and honestly share thoughts and questions about religious beliefs, so that we can understand one another and learn better. (Read more)

What will they teach?

When the Mormon Missionaries come into your home, they will want to teach you about their beliefs and invite you to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They will eventually invite you attend Mormon Church services with them and be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We invite you to listen to the missionaries as they teach their lessons about God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and the plan of salvation. (Read more)

Answering Your Concerns about Mormonism

Since Joseph Smith first began telling others about his Vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, persecution and misinformation have followed Mormons.  You may have heard things from friends and family, or from ministers vilifying the Prophet Joseph Smith or claiming that the Book of Mormon is false or unnecessary.  Members of the Mormon Church know that they must live surrounded by such false information all their lives, but they have learned the truth about these matters.  Below are several questions that converts to the Mormon Church and others often have.  This list does not include everything, but does include links to other excellent websites that can give you fuller answers.

Scriptures:

• Isn’t the Bible the only word of God?
• Why do we need the Book of Mormon?
• Doesn’t the Book of Mormon contradict the Bible?
• Didn’t the Three Witnesses deny their testimonies about the Book of Mormon?
• Doesn’t the Book of Abraham prove that Joseph Smith was a false prophet?
• Did the Mormon Church change the Book of Mormon?

The Gospel:

• Don’t Mormons worship a different Jesus?
• I’m saved, why do I need prophets and the Book of Mormon?
• Why do I need to be baptized if I have already accepted Jesus as my Savior?
• Should I really rely on “feelings” rather than evidence to know if the Book of Mormon is true?
• I heard Mormons believe you have to work to be saved, but doesn’t the Bible say we are saved by grace?

Prophets:

• Didn’t prophets end with the Old Testament/Bible?
• Was the Prophet Joseph Smith a lazy, immoral person?
• Don’t Mormons worship Joseph Smith?
• Didn’t Joseph Smith make a false prophecy about the Second Coming?

Church Practices:

• Don’t Mormons practice polygamy?
• What about the Mountain Meadows Massacre?
• Did Mormons forbid African Americans from joining their Church?
• Do Mormons really pay 10 percent of their income to the Church?
• What’s this about no sex before marriage?

Temples:

• Why all the secrecy?  Didn’t Jesus tell His disciples to preach all his teachings openly?
• Didn’t Jesus’ Crucifixion end the need for temples?
• Do Mormons wear funny underwear?

General:

• Anti-Mormonism and ExMormons, why all the fuss?
• How can I find the truth in this maze of words and emotions?

Good Links

• Jeff Lindsay: Excellent site by a Mormon living in Wisconsin who has many articles and responses to common questions and concerns.
• FAIRLDS: A resource for friendly scholarly research on Mormonism.  Very extensive and thorough, covering virtually every conceivable topic relating to Mormonism.
• SHIELDS: A site for scholarly and historical information about Mormonism.
• Mormon Converts:  Learn about the experiences of other converts to the Mormon Church
• Light Planet: A resource for everything Mormon
• FARMS: The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies.  A very scholarly site devoted to studying Mormonism and Mormon scripture.
• Mormon Central: A list of the best LDS site on the internet.
• LDSsearch: A search engine that return good information about the Mormon Church

Becoming active in the Mormon Church

One of the purposes of this site is to help you become acclimatized to your new life as a Mormon.  After you are baptized and become of member of the Church, it is important that you continue to take an active part in the Church’s services and activities.

New members of the Church face a number of challenges.  This can be a difficult transition for many, since it may mean changing old habits (such as smoking) as well as learning new beliefs, traditions and customs unique to Mormonism. Activity in the Mormon Church brings us great blessings.  Attending church meetings and activities enables us to  socialize with those who hold our same values.  This can be especially important for young people and children.  Your example will help your children live gospel principles. By bringing them to church, you can help them make friends with other children of high standards.    

Many people find going to a Mormon church with the missionaries for the first time a little bit scary.  Learn what to expect and how to prepare: What can I expect when I go to Church with the Mormons? Accepting and preparing for baptism can mean many difficult changes in your life.  Learn how to prepare for baptism: Your Baptism Changing Hearts and Habits Mormons have a lay  ministry and that means everyone helps run the Church from vacuuming the halls of the meetinghouses to giving the sermons.  Learn how you can make the transition to being an active member of the Mormon Church The Mission of the Mormon Church The Mormon Church and you Activity in the Church Your first calling in the Church Mormonspeak, a dictionary of Mormonism

]]> http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/64/becoming_mormon/feed 4 http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/58/church_with_mormons http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/58/church_with_mormons#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2009 05:57:36 +0000 admin http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/?p=58 What Can I Expect When I Go to Church With the Mormons?

Going someplace new for the first time can be a scary experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect.  The purpose of this page is to help you know what to expect when you go to Sunday worship services with the Mormon missionaries.  You may have a lot of questions about what Mormons do at their worship services or what is expected of you.  The following will give you a tour of a typical Sunday service at a Mormon Church.  To get directions to the Mormon chapel nearest you, see the chapel locator on the LDS Church’s website.  This will also give the time that the local congregation meets.

Preparing for Church

Because church is a special time set apart from the rest of the week to worship God and learn more about His Gospel, Mormons believe that it is important to dress appropriately for church services.  This is typically referred to as Sunday dress and includes a suit or slacks and dress shirt for men and a dress, skirt, or suit for women.  You should be aware that most members will be dressed nicely and you would probably feel more comfortable if you dress similarly.  However, no matter what you wear, know that you are welcome.  Note that congregations near tourist sites are very tolerant of a variety of tourist attire and receive many visitors to their meetings.  However, modesty is always appropriate for Mormon church meetings.

Arriving at church

Mormons typically come as families all dressed in their Sunday best to prepare for church.  Try to arrive early so you can find a good seat and get comfortable with your surroundings.  Many people like to chat quietly in the foyer and catch up on what is happening in their lives.  This is a great opportunity to meet the local members and learn your way around the church building.  To take a virtual tour of a typical Mormon meeting house, see “What to expect at Sunday meetings” and click on “Virtual chapel tour.”  You should keep in mind that Mormon congregations frequently share buildings and so many people will be there, some of whom may not be in your congregation.  Don’t be scared if the parking lot is already full, it could just be members the previous congregation who may not have left yet.

Mormon Sacrament Meeting

Typically, the first meeting on Sunday is Sacrament Meeting.  Sacrament meetings usually last one hour and 15 minutes.  Members and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and be reverent in the chapel.  The chapel is a sacred place that should be respected, and that means that children should not run, and voices should be kept quiet.  Take time to pray or study the scriptures quietly before services begin.

When it is time to begin, the bishop or one of his counselors will stand up and invite everyone to sing a hymn together.  Hymn books are available in every pew or bench.  After the hymn, a member of the congregation will say a prayer.  The congregation should remain quiet and say “Amen” together at the end of the prayer.  After the prayer, whoever is presiding, or leading, the meeting will announce the program.  Since Mormons don’t have professional clergy, members of the congregation give the sermons, called talks.  There are typically two or three speakers who speak for ten minutes apiece.  The bishop has previously asked them to speak on a specific gospel topic. 

Before the talks begin, the most important part of the Sacrament Meeting is held, this is called administering the sacrament.  “The sacrament” is how Mormons refer to the Eucharist and it is blessed and passed by members of the priesthood, often teenage boys ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood.  The Sacrament Service begins with a hymn that helps us reflect on the mission and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

After the hymn, during which the priests break the bread into small pieces, the sacrament is blessed by a person holding the priesthood.  This is done at a table at the front of the chapel, typically off to one side of the rostrum.  First he blesses the bread, which symbolizes the body of Jesus Christ.  This prayer must be said precisely, so if the person makes a mistake, he will start over.  Mormons believe that what they eat and drink for the sacrament is not as important as the spirit in which they do it.  The Lord Jesus Christ gave a revelation to Joseph Smith in which he said:

For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins (Doctrine and Covenants 27:2).

Today Mormons typically use bread and water.  No matter what is used, the important thing is what the bread and water symbolize, not what they are.  After the blessing has been said, members of the priesthood pass the sacrament to members of the congregation.  For Mormons, the sacrament symbolizes a renewal of their commitment to follow Jesus Christ and of the covenants they made with Him at baptism.  Because of this, if you have not been baptized into the Mormon Church, you should not partake, although young children who have not been baptized are allowed to partake.  After the bread is passed, the water is blessed and passed to the congregation.

After the administration of the sacrament, the services continue with talks on gospel themes and often hymns.  Some weeks there are special services.  The choir may sing or there may be a guest speaker from somewhere else.  Typically on the first Sunday of every month, unless there is a special conference, Mormons hold a fast and testimony meeting.  On this Sunday, all the members fast together and during the services there are no set speakers.  Instead, members of the congregation go up to the front as inspired by the Holy Spirit and share their testimonies about God, Jesus Christ, and the restored gospel.  Everyone is encouraged to participate, even children.  Even non-Mormons who feel impressed by the Spirit may speak. At the end of the meeting, the congregation sings a closing hymn and someone says a prayer.

Mormon Sunday School

After Sacrament Meeting, the members divide into different groups for Sunday School.  Little children under four can go to nursery, children from 4 to 11 have Primary classes, which are Sunday school classes for children; teenagers have classes of their own based on age groups, and adults often have a variety of classes to choose from.  Since you are new to the Mormon Church, you will most likely go to the Gospel Principles class, which is also known as Gospel Essentials.  Ask the missionaries or a member where it is located.  In Sunday School, members study the gospel together.  One person is appointed to be a teacher and to lead the discussion, but everyone is encouraged to participate by asking questions and voicing their opinions.  Don’t be shy about speaking up, because if you don’t ask questions, you’ll never get the answers you’re looking for.

Sunday School begins with a prayer and sometimes a hymn if the teacher decides to do so.  Lessons vary from week to week, but focus on gospel themes like resurrection, repentance, tithing, and so on.  Class ends with a prayer.  Sunday School lessons are correlated throughout the Church.  This means that all over the world Latter-day Saints will be studying the same material at approximately the same time.

Priesthood/Relief Society Meetings

The last meetings of the day for adults (teenagers and children have their own classes, see Primary and Young Men and Young Women) are the Priesthood and Relief Society meetings.  At this time, men and women split up and receive their own instruction.  Men go to Priesthood and women go to Relief Society.  Since the men’s group is split into two, the Elders and the High Priests, ask your missionaries which one you should attend.  All women go to Relief Society.  These meetings generally include lessons geared for either men or women specifically, though typically drawn from the same manual, as well as discussions about activities and service projects and the needs of the congregation.  These meetings are an important time to strengthen bonds among brothers and sisters in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  After this meeting, which concludes with a prayer, Sunday services are over.  Members often linger to chat in the halls and foyer, or outside if the weather is good.  Families are encouraged to spend Sundays together and discuss what they learned at Church.  Sundays should, where possible, be a day of rest from chores, sports, and work and be devoted to learning about God and serving others.

they visit me and my family?

Some people find it scary or strange to have two young men or women come into their home and begin talking about religion with their family.  For many people, religion is a very personal matter and talking about it with strangers is a new experience.  Most Mormon Missionaries know this and will try to make you feel comfortable.  You should feel free to express your feelings and beliefs with the missionaries.  Mormons believe that it is important to openly and honestly share thoughts and questions about religious beliefs, so that we can understand one another and learn.

Most likely your missionaries will want to get to know you better in order to understand what you believe about God and Jesus Christ now.  You should share your beliefs openly, but without confrontation, just as the missionaries will share their beliefs.  They will also want to know about your family and about you since it becomes easier to talk with someone when you find that you share common ground.  Since the Mormon Church does not have professional clergy, its leaders and missionaries know what it is like to have a family and to work for a living.

The missionaries will want to meet with your whole family, if possible, since Mormons believe that strong families are important and that a message as important as the Gospel of Jesus Christ should be shared with everyone.  Every time they meet with you, the missionaries will want to pray so as to invite the Spirit of God to the meeting.  They will share with you the beliefs and teachings of the Mormon Church and invite you to share your thoughts and feelings about them. (See “What will the Mormon Missionaries teach me?”).

Finally, the missionaries will invite you to study these teachings on your own by reading the Book of Mormon and other literature. Mormons believe that everyone should find out for themselves if the message is true, and you can only do this by reading the Book of Mormon and pondering on the message you have heard for yourselves.  No doubt the missionaries will share with you a famous passage in the Book of Mormon that says:

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.  And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5, pg 529)

This invites everyone to ponder, reflect on God’s glory, and only after studying the doctrines and teachings in your mind and heart, ask God through prayer whether or not it is true.  Only God can tell you that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and He will do this by the power of the Holy Ghost, sometimes called the Holy Spirit.

How will I know when God answers me through the Spirit?

Jesus taught us that the Spirit will teach us the truth:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you (John 14:26).

But how are we to know when the Holy Ghost is teaching us?  Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon teach that one thing the Holy Ghost will always do is testify of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you (John 16:13-14).

One way to know that something is true is to see if it testifies of Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit will confirm to you in your heart that the testimony is true as you read it and pray about it.  The Apostle Paul taught us how to recognize the Spirit in our lives:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

When we feel love, joy, and peace enter into our hearts, we can know that the Holy Spirit is tell us that what we are reading and pondering is true for “[e]very good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).  When we feel the Spirit of God bring peace and joy into our lives we should bow down and thank God in prayer and then act on that testimony.

The missionaries will then invite you to read more from the Book of Mormon or attend church worship services at the local congregation with them.  When you feel the Holy Spirit telling you that what they are teaching is true, you should go ahead and do the things the missionaries invite you to do.  Going to a new church can be scary, but the missionaries and the members will help you, and when you attend church and fellowship with others, you will begin to feel more peace and love enter into your life from the Holy Spirit.

The importance of beginning with the basics

Chances are if you have heard about Mormons, you have heard false reports that Mormons practice polygamy, or Mormons have strange, secret temple rituals, or wear funny underwear.  Maybe your only impression of Mormons is seeing the clean-shaven, well dressed Mormon missionaries, or perhaps when you think about Mormons you envision some impossibly perfect family where no one ever drinks, smokes, or swears.  Misconceptions or misunderstandings about what Mormons believe and practice distorts the deep significance of their beliefs and practices.

For Mormons, the most important doctrines and practices are the simple everyday ones that affect most of their daily life, while outsiders are only interested in those beliefs they consider to be strange or weird.  Reading about temples, and eternal marriage, and so on, without understanding Mormon beliefs about Jesus Christ and His atonement or the purpose of life is like building a house starting with the top.  This impossible structure would just crumble every time you tried to place something on it until the whole thing was simply a scattered pile of debris.  This is what critics of Mormonism try to do.  They begin with the top of the building and try to force Mormon beliefs to fit into their own understanding of religion.  Of course, when they do this, the result looks absurd like a crumbling building crammed onto the wrong foundation.

Whether building a house or studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a person must lay a foundation in order to make sense of the rest.  This is what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote to the Corinthians:

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able (1 Corinthians 3:1-2).

Babies start off with milk, because they cannot digest meat yet.  A person studying the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ must begin with the basics in order to understand the more advance topics like temples and eternal progression.

The purpose of the self-guided lessons

The following lessons are designed to give you a guided tour of Mormon beliefs beginning with the most basic and fundamental doctrines of the Restored Gospel.  It is important to start with these basics, even if you feel you already understand them, or if you find them too simple. 

If you begin these lessons you are under absolutely no obligation to meet with missionaries or members of the Mormon Church. However, we encourage you to consider ultimately meeting with the missionaries or attending Mormon worship services, since no interactive lesson could replace talking to real people about their beliefs or asking them questions.  We also encourage you to follow them one lesson at a time and to not proceed until you feel you have understood what has been taught.  Links are provided to external sites for extra help understanding a particular topic.  This service is absolutely free.

This material has not been written, reviewed, or endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and we assume all responsibility for its content; however it is being written by faithful members of the Mormon Church who have been missionaries in the past, and it is a good representation of Church’s teaching.

Lessons

Introduction to Self-Guided Lessons

Lesson 1: There is a God

Lesson 2: The Plan of Salvation

When the Mormon Missionaries come into your home, they will want to teach you about their beliefs and invite you to learn more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They will eventually invite you attend Mormon Church services with them and be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  We invite you to listen to the missionaries as they teach their lessons about God, Jesus Christ, prophets, and the plan of salvation.  This website is a resource to help you find answers to questions, review topics the missionaries have addressed, or simply to learn more about what Mormons believe.  There are a lot people who have distorted or misrepresented the true teachings of the Mormon Church.  We hope to present here the basics truths and beliefs of what Mormons believe.  We encourage you, however, to use this as a resource and supplement to your studies and to ask questions of the missionaries. Ask as much as you can, since they know you and can understand your needs better.

1. The Godhead, God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost
2. The Plan of Salvation
3. Prophets, ancient and modern
4. The Scriptures, the word of God for men
5. Faith
6. Repentance
7. Prayer and Fasting
8. Health and Morality
9. Families (forever)
10. Temples and Temple Work
11. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Mormon Church sends it missionaries out to teach and proselyte to all people.  Their aim is to teach people about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and baptize them members of the Church.  They also want to help make your transition to Mormonism as smooth as possible.  To do this they will accompany you as you go to church for the first time and help you prepare for baptism.  You can learn more about transitioning to Mormonism at Becoming a Mormon

If you have questions or concerns, ask the missionaries or an active, faithful member of the Mormon Church for more information.  You can also see the Mormon Church’s website or see Answering your concerns, which talks about some of the misunderstandings commonly held about Mormons.

What baptism means:

Once you have accepted the missionaries’ invitation to be baptized and become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can begin to prepare yourself spiritually for your baptismal service.  Mormons practice baptism by immersion for the remission (or removal) of sins.  Baptism is a symbol of your covenant, or promise, with Jesus that you will take His name upon you and keep His commandments in return for which, He will forgive you of your sins and bring you back to live in Heaven with Him.  A Book of Mormon prophet named Alma taught us about what baptism means.  Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;  Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life– Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? (Mosiah 18:8-10, pg 181)

This is known as the baptismal covenant.  When we are baptized we covenant to

Because only a person old enough to understand this commitment can enter into this covenant, Mormons do not baptize little children.  A child is not baptized until he or she reaches at least the age of eight, called the age of accountability.  Children under the age of eight are saved by Jesus Christ’s Atonement.  God in turn promises that those who keep their baptismal covenants will
           

How do I prepare for baptism? 

The fourth Article of Faith says:

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This teaches us the basic steps we must follow in making Jesus Christ’s sacrifice active in our life.  Mormons believe that baptism represents the gate to Eternal Life and these four steps represent the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Faith

First, search your heart in personal study and prayer so that you will be sure you have faith in Jesus Christ.  Faith is more than believing Jesus exists, it means believing Him when He says that you will be forgiven of your sins and saved in His Kingdom.  Another Book of Mormon prophet, also named Alma, taught us how to develop faith (see Alma 32:18-43, pgs 289-291).  We begin by being humble and teachable.  If we are arrogant, the Spirit of God cannot work within us.  Second, we desire to believe.  Alma compares this to planting a seed and watering it.  We plant the seed by desiring to believe in Jesus Christ and in the Book of Mormon, which teaches of Him.  We nurture the seed through prayer, scripture study, service to others, and keeping the commandments.  As we do this, the Holy Sprit will enter our hearts and we will know that what we are studying and doing is true.  Mormons often refer to this as a testimony.  If we do not experiment with our faith by keeping the commandments, praying, and attending church, the Spirit will not tell us whether the scriptures are true.

Repentance

Once we begin to develop faith in Jesus Christ, we will realize that many things in our life might be out of harmony with His teachings.  This leads us to repentance.  Repentance is a wonderful gift from a loving Father in Heaven.  Through repentance we can overcome weaknesses and move beyond mistakes we have made in the past.

To repent we must acknowledge our mistakes and weaknesses.  We must take responsibility for our own actions and recognize that what we have done has hurt others and offended God.  Second, we must forsake the sin.  This means we must stop doing it and never return to it again.  We must, if possible, make restitution.  This means that if we stole something, we should return it or pay the person for what we took.  If we lied or hurt someone’s feelings, we must apologize.  Restitution is not always possible, but we must always apologize and ask for forgiveness from those we offended or hurt.  God is able to heal all wounds and when we trust in Him, we can be forgiven.  Finally, we must ask for forgiveness from God through prayer.  If the sin is very serious, like sexual activity outside of marriage, we should also talk to our bishop to receive counseling and advice from him.  God has commanded us to confess our serious sins to the bishop as part of our repentance.

When we have done this, we have this promise from God:

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43, pg 106).

When we have sincerely repented, we have God’s promise, and God cannot lie, that we are forgiven.  To become clean from all our sins and become a new creature in Christ, we must follow repentance with baptism.  However, as everyone continues to make mistakes, we must repent throughout our lives and continually turn towards God for strength and forgiveness.  Through the sacrament, which Mormons partake of every Sunday, we renew the covenants made at baptism and thus renew the cleansing of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism by water for the remission of sins

Once you have begun to develop faith in Jesus Christ and have repented of your sins, you are prepared to be baptized.  At baptism you will commit to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of your life and to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as the Mormon Church is officially known.

Baptismal services in the Mormon Church can be held on any day, but are typically held either Saturday night, especially when eight-year-old children are being baptized, or on Sunday.  Your baptismal service will likely be on Sunday.  You can plan the service with the missionaries and invite whomever you wish.  This will be a great time to share the message of the Gospel with friends and family.  The Spirit of God is powerful at baptismal services, so you should invite family members and friends to attend and share this important step in your life with them.  Many who might not accept an invitation to church or to meet with missionaries will come to your baptism, since it is something personal for you.  Plan ahead and invite as many people as you like.

You can select any worthy priesthood holder to baptize you.  Many new members like to have one of the missionaries baptize them, or a friend from Church who holds the priesthood.  The missionaries can help you pick someone who is eligible.  Priesthood, or God’s authority to act in His name, is essential to perform ordinances like baptism.  Without it, the ordinance is not valid.  You also need to choose two witnesses, who also hold the priesthood, to certify that the ordinance is done properly.

The baptismal service itself is simple and brief.  There will be prayers and singing.  You can either ask some of your new friends in the Church to pray, or let the missionaries choose.  Many people like to have the congregation sing their favorite hymn.  You can also select someone to share a short message about the importance of baptism and the gospel of Jesus Christ.  After this you will change into white clothes to symbolize purity and innocence and enter the baptismal font.

The baptism will begin when you and the person who will baptize you enter the font.  He will hold your arms with his left hand and hold his right arm up while he says the baptismal prayer.  The prayer is the same for everyone who gets baptized.  You and he will close your eyes as he says:

Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen.

He will then assist you as you lower yourself under the water.  You can use your hands to plug your nose.  Because baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior, you must go completely under the water.  If you do not, the baptism will be repeated.  After you come out of the water, you can change back into your regular clothes.

Baptism by Fire and the Holy Ghost

John the Baptist said,

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11).

After baptism by water, we must be baptized by the Holy Ghost.  Modern prophets have taught us that this second baptism is an essential part of being baptized and entering a covenant with Jesus.  It is through this baptism of the Holy Ghost that you will be cleansed of your sins.  In the Mormon Church, this ordinance is called confirmation and it typically occurs in the Sunday services in the week following your baptism or “at the water’s edge.” This entails confirmation right after the baptism.

You must select someone to confirm you, and he must hold the Melchizedek priesthood.  In confirmation, also called the laying on of hands, a priesthood holder will lay his hands upon your head and bless you.  This blessing is similar to a prayer.  He will call you by name and through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, he will confirm you a member of the Mormon Church and give the gift of the Holy Ghost, which means the right to have the Holy Spirit with you as a constant companion.  Finally, he will pronounce blessings and promises as the Spirit inspires him and will close in the name of Jesus Christ.  Once this is done, you are a member of Christ’s Church here on earth.