Parents, congratulations on your child’s desire to get baptized! This handout is designed to be a helpful guide as you talk with your child about baptism. Our hope is that, as you review these key concepts and discuss these questions, you will be able to see in your child a basic understanding of baptism and genuine desire to live a life of following Jesus.
One caution to parents: Baptism is something a Believer chooses to do in obedience to Jesus and celebration of His finished work on the cross. There is no need to rush or pressure your child toward baptism if they are not ready or interested. On the flip side, there is no age or knowledge requirement for those who are in Christ and desire to know and follow Him. We LOVE baptizing kids and are so excited to participate in your child’s baptism if you see evidence of salvation in your child’s life and heart, and if they have expressed a desire to be baptized.
Read with your child: Baptism is NOT something you do to be saved. Baptism is something you get to do after you have already believed in Jesus as your Savior.
Ephesians 2:8-9 says “ ****For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” (CBS)
Here are some questions to ask your child about salvation:
Parents, look for an awareness of personal sin and need for forgiveness, desire to follow Jesus, understanding that salvation comes through faith alone. You’ll also want to look for some sense that Jesus hasn't just rescued them from something old but brought them into something new. If your child displays evidence of salvation, continue the conversation about baptism! If not, there is no rush! Consider making these truths topics of conversation with your child over the next weeks and months to help them form a clear understanding of Christ’s God-head, sacrifice, resurrection and salvation/forgiveness through faith in him.
Read with your child: When you put your faith in Jesus, something amazing happened — the old you was buried with Jesus, and you were made brand new. Baptism is how you show everyone what’s already real about you because you believe in Jesus! When you go under the water, you’re saying, “My old life is buried with Jesus — it’s gone!” When you come up out of the water, you’re saying, “I’m alive with Him now!” It's not pretend. It's not acting out a scene. What happened to Jesus really happened to you — and baptism is how you step into the water and declare it!
Colossians 2:12 says “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (NLT)
Here are some questions to ask your child about baptism:
Parents, look for a basic understanding of the symbolism of baptism and, more importantly, a desire to identify with and follow Jesus.
Read with your child: Baptism is an ANNOUNCEMENT to your friends, family, and church that you have been saved by Jesus and are choosing to follow him. When you get baptized, there will be a crowd of people watching and cheering because baptism is something we celebrate! Luke 15:10 says, “I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”
Ask your child who they would like to invite to attend their baptism!
Parents, if you believe your child displays evidence of saving faith in Jesus and a desire to be baptized, your next step is to set up a conversation between you, your child, and a couple of your child’s church leaders. This will be a chance for your child to share about his or her desire to be baptized as well as ask any questions they may have. Schedule this conversation by sending an email to [email protected].
If, after reviewing this handout with your child, you don’t believe they’re ready to be baptized or you’re not sure, that’s completely ok! Don’t be discouraged if you or your child decide they need to wait a while before getting baptized. The right thing at the right time is the right thing. Keep sharing Jesus’ love and grace with them, keep praying over them, and keep trusting God with their precious heart and life!
If you have any questions about baptism content, process, or helping your child prepare, feel free to reach out to Annika Arrera (Associate Kids Pastor) [email protected] or Stephen Garcia (Groups + Connections Pastor) [email protected].
Matthew 3:16 - Jesus’ baptism
Matthew 28:16-20 - The Great Commission