Sometimes, the simple faith of a child can teach us adults a thing or two about trust and obedience.
As a parent, witnessing your child's decision to follow Christ and get baptized is a profound moment. It marks a significant milestone in their spiritual journey, one that you've likely been nurturing and supporting for years. While the decision is theirs, your role in preparing them for this important step is crucial.
Preparing your child for baptism doesn't have to be as complicated as explaining why the sky is blue or why vegetables are necessary evils.
When our little ones desire to follow Christ and be baptized, it's a moment of joy and pride. We want to ensure they truly understand the significance of this step. Still, we don't want to overwhelm them with theological concepts that would make even a seminary professor's head spin.
This guide will help you navigate these waters with grace, wisdom, and maybe a few chuckles.
Understanding the Basics
The key to explaining baptism to a child is to keep it simple, relatable, and rooted in God's Word. Start by explaining that baptism is a special way of showing everyone we've decided to follow Jesus. It's like wearing a team jersey—it shows which team we're on!
Use analogies they can understand. For instance, you might say, "Remember when you jumped into the pool for the first time? Baptism is kind of like that. You go under the water and come back up, but instead of just getting wet, it shows you're washing away your old life and starting a new one with Jesus." This ties nicely into Romans 6:4, which says, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Don't shy away from discussing the symbolism. Explain that going under the water represents Jesus' death and burial, and coming up represents His resurrection. It's like a mini-play where they act out the most important part of Jesus' story! And let's be honest, what kid doesn't love a good dress-up opportunity?
Remember, the goal is to help your child grasp the beautiful simplicity of this act of obedience and declaration of faith. As you explain, keep in mind Jesus' words in Mark 10:15, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Sometimes, the simple faith of a child can teach us adults a thing or two about trust and obedience.
Helping Your Child Grow Spiritually
Now that your child has expressed interest in baptism, it's time to shift gears from spiritual cruise control to active faith-building mode. Think of it as a spiritual gym class, minus the awkward uniforms and dodgeball-induced traumas. Your role is to be the world's best personal trainer for your child's faith journey.
Start by making Bible reading a family affair. And no, I don't mean speed-reading through Leviticus. Focus on stories that highlight God's love, forgiveness, and the importance of following Him. The Gospels are a great place to start—after all, Jesus was quite the storyteller!
Encourage your child to pray, not just at mealtimes or bedtime, but throughout the day. Teach them that prayer is talking to God, like chatting with a friend. It doesn't need to be formal or filled with fancy words (Matthew 6:7).
Look for everyday opportunities to discuss faith. Did your child share a toy with a friend? That's a great time to talk about how Jesus wants us to be kind and generous. Did they tell a friend about eating the last cookie? Use that as a gentle, teachable moment about honesty and asking for forgiveness. Remember, you're not aiming for perfection; you're nurturing growth.
Lastly, model what it means to follow Christ. Let your child see you reading your Bible, praying, and living out your faith. As the old saying goes, "More is caught than taught."
Tips and Tricks for the Big Day
The day of their baptism or confirmation service has finally arrived! As a parent, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and maybe even a few tears. To make the day run smoothly, here are some practical tips and tricks that worked for me:
Arrive early: Strive to arrive at least 30 minutes before the service starts. This will give you time to find your seats, get your child settled, and take a few deep breaths before the ceremony begins. Trust me, you'll want to soak in every moment of this special day, and arriving early will help you do that.
Dress for success (and comfort): Let's face it, you'll be standing for a while, and you want to make sure your child is comfortable and able to focus on the ceremony. Choose outfits that are both dressy and comfortable—think dress shoes that won't pinch and clothes that won't make them squirm. And don't forget to dress for the weather—if it's a hot summer day, consider bringing a light jacket or sweater for the air-conditioned church.
Snacks and sips: Kids get hungry, and the last thing you want is a hungry child on this special day. Pack some snacks and sips that are easy to eat and won't make a mess—think granola bars, crackers, and juice boxes. And don't forget to bring some water—all that singing and standing can be work!
Encourage participation: This is your child's special day, and you want them to feel involved and engaged. Let them ask questions, participate in the service, and take an active role in the ceremony. Whether by reading a scripture, singing a hymn, or standing up front with the pastor, make sure they know they're an important part of this special day.
Capture the moment: You'll want to relive this moment for years to come, so try to capture it with plenty of photos and videos. Bring a camera, phone, or tablet, and consider asking a friend or family member to take some candid shots. And don't worry if you get a little teary-eyed. Those happy tears are a sign of the joy and love that's filling your heart!
Also, consider bringing a small gift to commemorate the day—a Bible, a cross, or a special piece of jewelry can be a meaningful reminder of this special day. Make sure your child knows what to expect during the ceremony—explain the different parts of the service and reassure them that it's okay to make mistakes. Take time to celebrate after the service; whether it's a special lunch, a cake, or a family outing, make sure to mark the occasion with some fun and festivities.
Life After Baptism: Continuing the Journey
Congratulations! Your child has been baptized. But remember, this is just the beginning of their faith journey, not the finish line. Think of it as graduating from spiritual preschool—there's still a lot of growing to do!
Encourage your child to continue learning and growing in their faith. Help them establish habits of daily Bible reading and prayer. Maybe start a family devotional time where everyone shares what they're learning about God. And don't worry if it sometimes devolves into a discussion about whether Jesus had a favorite dinosaur—the important thing is that you're talking about faith together.
Look for opportunities for your child to serve others and put their faith into action. This could be as simple as helping a neighbor or participating in a church outreach program. As James 2:17 reminds us, "Even so faith, if it hath not worked, is dead, being alone."
Remember, your child will face challenges and doubts as they grow. That's normal and even healthy. Be there to listen, guide, and sometimes just give a reassuring hug. Share your own experiences and struggles with faith; it helps them see that following Jesus is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event.
Most importantly, keep celebrating their decision to follow Christ. Baptism is a beautiful beginning, but it's the daily walk with Jesus that consistently transforms us. As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Preparing your child for baptism is a precious opportunity to deepen their faith and your relationship with them. It's a time of teaching, listening, and growing together. As you guide them through this process, remember the words of Jesus in Mark 10:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Celebrate this milestone, but also remember that it's just one step in their lifelong journey of faith. Your continued support, guidance, and example will be crucial in helping them grow in their relationship with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Design Pics/Don Hammond
