Baptism Guide for Parents

My child wants to get baptized. How should I respond? If your child has begun to ask questions about baptism, be encouraged! 

1. Schedule a time when you are able to sit with them and read through Romans 6:3-11 together. In this text, we can see the powerful symbolism of baptism and what it represents to the believer. This is a great opportunity to share your own story with your child about how God has made you alive in Christ. 

2. After you have shared, ask your child if they would like to share why they want to trust in Christ for their salvation. As they are sharing, there are several things you should look for and ask about.

• Do they have a humble posture and can they admit to sin? (1 John 1:9; James 5:16)
• Do they show genuine sorrow for their sin? (2 Corinthians 7:10)
• Do they confess Jesus as Lord? (Romans 10)
• Do you see the fruit of salvation in their life? (Galatians 5:22–23)
  • Do other people affirm the life change in your child? (small group leader, community group leader, coach, teacher, etc.)
    

One of the beautiful things about baptism is that we are identifying with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection, which means that baptism is a step of obedience. One of the most important things to communicate to your child is that getting baptized is not the finish line in their faith but the very beginning. Starting now, they are communicating, through baptism, that they belong to Christ and intend to obey what God says in his Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, though this is a personal decision to follow Christ and be baptized, they are being baptized into a family of believers, the local church. 

3. Once you have had this initial conversation, contact your pastor(s) to schedule a time to talk through the conversation you had with your child.

What if my child is not ready for baptism?
After having these conversations, if it is clear that your child is not ready for baptism, it is okay! Be patient in having conversations about their faith in Christ. Continue to engage them in a way that is intentional while praying for the Lord to work in their life. Be sure to bring in people who are influential in their lives to join you in praying and talking with them in the future.