Being baptized is a special time for a child and his or her family.  Jesus taught that baptism is important.  He was baptized and He commanded His disciples to baptize people (Matthew 3:1-17 and Matthew 28:19).  The following is information you can use to help your child understand baptism. 

How do you know when your child is ready to be baptized?  The best way to know that your child is ready is when THEY initiate the desire to be baptized following their decision to ask Jesus into their heart.  So it is important to teach your child about baptism regularly so they know what they are asking to do.  Some children may be ready to be baptized immediately after their decision to follow Christ while others may not be.

Explain to your child that whenever they take a shower or bath, they use water to wash away the dirt.  When they are baptized, the water is to remind them that Jesus has washed away their sins.  Psalms 51:1-2.   When they go under the water in baptism, it shows everyone that they have “died to sin”.  That means sin doesn’t control them anymore.  Whey they come out of the water, it shows they are “alive in Christ.”  That means Jesus lives in them and helps them to live a life pleasing to God.  Baptism is “going public” and letting everyone know you are a follower of Jesus.  If your child is willing to invite their unsaved friends to their baptism, they are ready to be baptized.  But if they want to keep their Christianity only at church—they may not be ready yet.

Baptism

Sources:  Wordaction’s Young Believer’s Discipleship Series and Kidology

 

Be enthusiastic about your child’s baptism!  Encourage them to send invitations to friends and family, and even (especially) unsaved family and friends. 

The early church gave eggs to those baptized to symbolize new birth.  Fill a hollow, plastic egg with symbols of Christ’s life (a nail, purple cloth, a thorn, etc.) to remind your child, who is being baptized, of Christ’s sacrifice for them.

Help your child be ready to tell people why they want to be baptized.

Take a picture of you and your child beforehand (while they are not wet!) and give it to them with a personal note afterward telling them how proud you are.

Videotape the baptism so they can watch it years later!

 

Ideas for Baptism:

Fill your second pot with pebbles, and plant a few seeds in it.  Read Mark 4:16-17 again.

Fill your third pot with sticks, and plant a few seeds in it.  Read Mark 4:18-19 again.

Fill your fourth pot with good potting soil, and plant a few seeds in it.  Keep it lightly watered.  Read Mark 4:20 again.  With a permanent marker, write, “What kind of soil am I?” on the pot.  Then talk about these questions:

· What kinds of things make a person’s heart “good soil” for a growing relationship with God?

· What kind of soil do we have in our family?

· How can we become better soil?

Pray, asking God to use the plant as a reminder that your family belongs to God and you want to be ready for a growing relationship with Him.  As you watch the plant grow over time (or slowly die if you do not take care of it!), remember to keep the right kind of soil in your heart as God continues to change you on the inside as you “step out of the crowd” and go PUBLIC about your faith on the outside!