Temple Baptisms: What You Need to Know

From an article by Heather J. Johnson

So, you’re preparing for your first trip to perform baptisms for the dead? You may have a few questions or concerns about what to expect. Don’t worry! Whether you’re 12, 42, or 82, here are four things you need to know that will put your mind at ease.

Remember your recommend. When you enter the temple, you will first come to the recommend desk. A volunteer will check your recommend.
Privacy is provided. Men and women then go to separate dressing rooms to change. Private locker spaces are provided to change into white clothing that is provided.
The ordinances will be familiar. The baptisms and confirmations you take part in will be similar to your own baptism and confirmation, but you will be acting on behalf of someone who died without having been baptized.
There is help around every corner. If you’re nervous that you might not know what to do, don’t worry—volunteers are positioned throughout the temple who are happy to help you if you are ever unsure of where to go or what to do.

There are so many blessings in store for you when you choose to serve your ancestors and others who have died by being baptized for them. Living worthily of a temple recommend and going to the temple as often as your circumstances allow will help prepare you to participate in additional temple ordinances in the future, including the endowment and sealing ordinances.