Is My Child Ready for Water Baptism?
Do they know what Baptism is?
What is their understanding of baptism?
Is it swimming at church? Getting a cool new towel? Going on stage in front of everyone and being the star?
Is it just something everyone does at church at some point ? Is it a bizarre mystery they want to try for themselves?
Children have wildly active imaginations and love to be included in every aspect of life they witness and want to experience it for themselves. Some may be more bold than others, charging forward without hesitation, while others may be more reserved, curious, and watch from afar. Baptism is something they want to experience, but as those in charge of their discipleship, it’s up to our parents and leaders to make sure they TRUELY understand the purpose and proclamation of baptism as a Christian.
Explain the Process
Salvation must precede baptism. Baptism is the outward expression of an inward commitment to follow Christ’s example and lead a life loving God and loving others. Before they can be baptized, they must have chosen Jesus and the #1 friend and believe in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ, in order to wipe away the sins of those who believe.
Watch baptisms together. Explain the process to them. The pastor talks to them about believing in Jesus. They plug their nose. The pastor, and maybe a family member, will help them lay back, being completely submerged in water, then bring them back to the surface again. This signifies being “born again” or “made new” and the cleansing of sins as a believer. They were dead to their old life, buried (submerged), and rose again a new creation in Jesus Christ! People may clap and cheer for them as they come back up, celebrating their choice with them.
Talk about baptism with your child, asking them questions to see what they understand, and allow them to ask questions to see where the gaps are in their understanding that need to be filled. If you’re worried you won’t have all the answer, don’t panic, you’re not alone! We’ve got you covered in the next section.
Ask and Answer Questions
What do you think baptism is? Baptism is a way to show everyone that we have made the decision to follow Jesus. (Acts 8:12)
Why do Christians get baptized? We are following Jesus’ example. Jesus chose to be baptized, too. He tells us to be baptized to show others in the world that we follow Him. We are baptized to show our obedience to Jesus’ directions. (Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:18-20)
Why do we have to go underwater to be baptized? Going underwater and coming back to the surface is a representation of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. This parallels His death and resurrection three days later. Luckily, we don’t have to be underwater very long to show that we understand this symbolism. Going underwater is a symbol of our "old self” dying, and being reborn as a “new life” living for Jesus. (Romans 6:3-5)
If baptism shows my “old self” and sinful life is dead, will I not sin anymore after being baptized? Wouldn’t that be amazing!? Unfortunately, we will still make mistakes, but our goal is to live a little more like Jesus everyday, and to practice at NOT sinning as much as we can. Our human bodies will still struggle with sin, even when we’ve decided we want to live God’s way. Romans 6:1-2; Romans 7:21-23)
Will I need to be re-baptized if I sin again? No, because baptism doesn’t take our sins away. Only Jesus can do that. We are baptized to tell the world that we have decided to follow Jesus. If you sin again, Jesus asks that we confess our sins to Him and ask for His forgiveness, which He will freely give to those who believe! We may have to confess and ask for forgiveness countless times, but you only need to be baptized once. (John 10:27-29; 1 John 1:9)
They Seem Ready, NOw What?
Pray
Pray with your child about making the decision to be baptized. Pray over any questions or concerns your child may have about the process. Pray for it to be made evident to you as a spiritual leader and disciple-maker that your child is ready to “take the plunge” into baptism.
Connect
When you are confident that your child is ready for the step of baptism in their walk of faith, find out when the next baptism class and baptism will be held at Summit Church. We typically host baptisms twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. Check the Registrations page to see if it’s listed, and register your child for baptism.
Please note, as a general rule, we do have the registration open to ages 8 and up, as church leadership has agreed this is an age that the child can recognize the commitment they are making before the church. Some children may not be ready yet at 8, and that is okay! Some children may be ready at 6 or 7, and we do not want to turn them away if you are sure they are ready. For younger kids, please discuss an exception for their registration with a member of the pastoral team and/or the Summit Kids Director. If they agree that your child is capable of making that decision, we will be thrilled to celebrate their baptism alongside you! If they are not quite ready, please consider Child Dedications instead!
Celebrate!
Whether you and your child have decided they are ready for baptism, or to sit this one out and think about the next one, celebrate with your child over their choice! Celebrate the conversations you were able to have with them about Jesus and their deeper understanding of the Christian faith now. Continue to water the seeds that have been planted and cultivate an enviornment for them to grow closer to God, whether they are “diving in” or maybe just getting their toes wet in their walk. Great job parents, you’re raising future world changers!