How do I know if I am ready for baptism?

Baptism is a one-time act of obedience and a way of publicly identifying with Jesus.  As Christ was buried and raised to life, baptism represents that you have died to your old life (burial) and have been given a new life (resurrection).  At Grace, we practice immersion because we believe it is the model presented in scripture and the best picture of what has happened in someone’s life when they trust Christ.

Baptism does not make you a believer, but it is a way of publicly showing that you already trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins.

1. Listen to these messages on Identifying with Christ in baptism.
   Part 1 – Listen below or download here
   
   Part 2 – Listen below or download here
2. Read the Grace Church position paper on baptism.
3. Work through the Guide for Personal Reflection.
4. Register for your baptism. Registration involves setting up a time to discuss these materials and scheduling your video testimony. You can register online here.  After you have registered, someone will contact you with available dates and times for your meeting and video.

How do I know if I am ready for baptism?

Baptism is a one-time act of obedience and a way of publicly identifying with Jesus.  As Christ was buried and raised to life, baptism represents that you have died to your old life (burial) and have been given a new life (resurrection).  At Grace, we practice immersion because we believe it is the model presented in scripture and the best picture of what has happened in someone’s life when they trust Christ.

Baptism does not make you a believer, but it is a way of publicly showing that you already trust in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins.

Parental Consent
We ask that students under the age of 18 have the consent of their parents before beginning the baptism process.  We also encourage students with unbelieving parents to seek consent from their parents.

What is the next step?

1. Listen to the following message on baptism:
   Baptism (Joseph Dion, Powdersville Student Pastor) – Listen below or download here
2. Read the Grace Church position paper on baptism.
3. Work through the Guide for Personal Reflection.
4. Register for your baptism. Registration involves setting up a time to discuss these materials and scheduling your video testimony. You can register online here.  After you have registered, someone will contact you with available dates and times for your meeting and video.

If you are interested in learning more about your video and how to prepare, see our baptism video page.

Parents and the church working together

Faithfully preparing a child to follow Christ in baptism is an important responsibility entrusted to Christian parents and the church.  We believe parents are responsible for instructing their children and overseeing their spiritual development.  The church is responsible for sustaining the ordinance of baptism and guarding it from abuse.  That is why it is critical for the church and parents to work together in preparing children for baptism.

How do I know if my child is ready?

We think that as a parent, you have the best insight into your child’s spiritual life.  We encourage you to work with the church to determine when he or she is ready to be baptized.  Many children can repeat the principles of the gospel.  While this is important, parents should not evaluate the spiritual state of their child solely on the fact that they have said a prayer or can repeat the facts of the gospel.  We believe that children may freely enter the kingdom of God, because the requirement for entering the kingdom does not depend on age or intellect, but on faith in Christ.  As Jesus wanted the little children to come to Him, we do not impose an age restriction for baptism.  We believe He wants children who have faith in Him to identify with Him in baptism.  The question then becomes, “How do I know if my child has faith in Christ?”

We believe God has entrusted parents with the responsibility of holding out the gospel to their children.  As that is done over time, parents should look for evidences of faith such as unsolicited confession of sin, a desire to learn more about God and actions that demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.  If a child expresses interest in baptism apart from these evidences, we should guard them from being baptized. As children age and mature, they will encounter more opportunities to express faith in Christ.  When children are young, their faith is closely tied to their parent’s faith.  Age and experience provide opportunities for this faith to become their own.

What is the next step?

Our desire is to equip you as a parent to help shepherd your child through salvation and baptism.  We ask that you listen to the following audio and thoughtfully talk through the questions below.  It is our hope that these resources would be helpful tools for you as you lead your children in this area.

A Parent’s Role in Shepherding Your Child Through Baptism & Salvation – Listen below or download here

A Parent’s Role Discussion Questions

• Why does your child want to be baptized?
• What does this event mean for you as a parent? How do you feel this changes your discipleship relationship with your child?
• What fruit has your child exhibited, that would mark him or her as a believer in Christ who is indwelt with the Holy Spirit?
• Has there been unsolicited confession of his or her own sin?
• The child will never be perfect, but is his or her pattern of obedience getting markedly better?
• Does the child exhibit a desire for holiness?

Baptism Registration

If you feel your child is ready to begin the baptism process, click here to register.  Registration involves setting up a time to record your child’s video testimony.  For their video, we will ask your child to share their story, their understanding of the gospel and why they want to be baptized.

If you are interested in learning more about your video and how to prepare, see our baptism video page.