I would relate two instances of witholding baptism:
The first was when the pastor at the first church went to withheld baptism from his daughter because he wanted to be sure that she was not simply seeking his approval. Eventually a couple of women in the congregation talked to him privately declaring that the young lady involved had impressed them with the qualities in her life. Eventually he was convinced. The other instance involves a pastor that requires someone wishing to be baptised complete a series of classes to ensure they knew what this is all about. I think that at the end of the classes, the deacon giving the class must recommend them for baptism.
My own feeling is that a pastor should not see himself as gate-keeper. I also note that while my wife and I were talking with him and his wife, he said he had baptised his wife three times stating that she had not really accepted Christ the first two times. I still wonder at this.
Hello
Siloam;
In the Old Testament Gatekeepers were levites who protected the Lord's house and were totally obedient to God. To a degree, today, this is part of the role of a Pastor (Shepherd) towards the church family and protecting them from wayward motives, rash decisions or misunderstood study of the Scriptures.
A Pastor's responsibility is to guide new and seasoned believers in their daily walk with Jesus including the baptism of new believers. A newly saved individual's decision to get baptized is
that person's sole decision between them and God, not for the pastor to decide for them. But it is wise to seek spiritual and Biblical counsel
first from their pastor.
The first pastor who withheld baptism from his daughter and by seeking counsel from the women in the congregation was the wise and right thing to do of the pastor. Turns out him baptizing his daughter was a day to rejoice.
The second pastor who supported the series of classes, respectfully, may be the autonomy of that church, (pastoral and leadership staff, thus the deacon's recommendation once the classes were completed,) but not on a sole decision by the pastor alone.
Perhaps you are referring to someone in a church leadership role who
judges a person's heart in their relationship with God before baptizing them? In this case I agree with you.
If the man who baptized his wife three times was not saved the first two times, becomes a separate issue. Sure, anyone can baptize a new believer but what is lacking is the accountability of the husband who didn't counsel his wife enabling her to understand
why and how accepting Christ and baptism is so important.
God bless
you, brother, and your family.