We are having our daughter baptised on Easter Sunday at my hometown church, where my parents currently go. Because the church is out of state, and because of the minister's schedule, the minister asked that we receive our "pre-baptism counseling" from our church here in Fort Worth.
Is is customary to pay the minister who performs the baptism, and if yes, how much? Also, should I pay the minister who performs the ceremony, or the minister that did our counseling, or both? Or should I just tithe to both churches?
Dear K.,
In all the churches I've been in, the minister did not receive any pay for baptising someone. But different churches may have different guidelines. At the counseling meeting, you could ask that pastor.
HOpe this helps.
A. S.
OK- I know this is specific to my faith (LDS)- but we don't pay our bishops/ pastors for anything! I hope you don't have to pay for your little one's baptism. I could, however, see a drop in the plate as a 'thank you,' as you are not a member of that congregation, though. Congrats!
D.
I've been married to a minister for almost five years now and I've never heard of anyone paying the minister for baptism. I realize that some denominations may be different, but I feel that tithing / giving an offering is more than enough. As far as the counseling, same thing -- most churches and ministers offer counseling for free in those situations, thus churches being non-profit.
When both my daughters were baptized, we didn't "pay" the priest, but we did make a donation to the chuch. As far as how much, I have no idea because my parents made the donation for us.
Have fun and Congratulations on the baptism!
