Kids can register to be baptized once they’ve completed 1st grade and have made a personal decision to follow Jesus. Here's a guide to have meaningful conversation with your child to help determine if they are ready for baptism!
Take a few minutes to watch the baptism for kids video to start the conversation.
Before getting baptized, your child should have made the decision to follow Jesus and make him the leader of their life. In John 3:16-17 we read that God sent his only son Jesus to save the world, not to judge it! Your child should know that Jesus died on the cross and came back to life so that they can have a relationship with him for the rest of their lives!
What to listen for: They chose to follow Jesus
Sometimes kids will decide to get baptized because a leader/parent encouraged them to, or their friend is getting baptized. These are not bad things but ultimately the decision to get baptized should be a choice your child makes for themselves. Jesus gave us a great example and was baptized himself! He also instructs us to be baptized in Matthew 28:19. Your child may want to be baptized because Jesus tells us to in the Bible!
What to listen for: That it's their choice, they want to show others that they have chosen to follow Jesus, Jesus was baptized, Jesus told us to in the Bible
Going underwater during baptism reminds us that Jesus washed away our sins and that he died on the cross and came back to life. When we come up out of the water, we celebrate the new life we live when we follow Jesus! Read Romans 6:1-14 about how we have new life in Christ.
What to listen for: Reminds us of Jesus’ story, shows that Jesus washed away our sins, we have new life
If your child has chosen to follow Jesus and wants to make a public declaration of their faith, they are ready to be baptized! Fill out an interest form to be notified when registration is live.
If your child can't explain what baptism is or why they want to be baptized, they may not be ready yet and that’s okay! Here are some ways to continue the conversation:
1. Affirm your child’s desire to own their faith and take the next steps to get baptized.
2. Watch the baptism for kids video or watch previous baptism services together. Discuss what you watched with your child and talk about why baptism is an important step in their faith journey.
3. Read different stories of people of people being baptized in the Bible. Mark 1:1-13, John 3:22-36, Acts 8:34-40
4. Make a plan to talk about baptism again when another baptism service is available.
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