Thoughts For Parents: Talking to Your Kids About Baptism
In the last two months and in the months ahead, our 2BC family is witnessing the baptisms of several kids from our Children's and Student Ministries. Your own kids may have questions of their own - whether now or somewhere down the road. Or maybe you wonder if your child is ready. Sometimes, when their questions come, we flounder (which is OK - you can always circle back: "I've had more thoughts about what we were talking about the other day...").
There isn't one "right" way to talk about baptism, of course, but here are a few thoughts.
It's a personal decision - not one that parents should make for their children. Kids don't need our permission. They need our support and affirmation throughout their journey of learning.
The Spirit meets us where we are - no matter our age. I remember asking Jesus into my heart during a conversation with my older sister while sitting on her red, flowery bedspread one night. I was five. As a teenager, after learning more about Jesus, I re-asked Jesus into my heart a couple times - fearing maybe I didn't know enough when I was five for it to count. How unnecessary! Choosing to follow Jesus or choosing to get baptized both mark the START of seasons in our lifelong relationship with Jesus. Whether young or old, we don't have to have everything figured out first. We will learn more about Jesus over time, but our decisions and milestones in following him along the way all "count!"
We can respond to our kids or initiate conversations through questions of our own. Do you feel like you've had a chance to get to know Jesus? How? What are some of your favorite things about Jesus? Did you know I'm still learning about him, too? Do you feel like you understand what baptism means? What do you like about this ritual? What about it makes you curious or anxious?
When it comes to what baptism means, again - there's not one "right" response we're looking for. It's a symbol of multiple things:
saying "yes" to trusting God and following Jesus
joining God's family to do God's work in the world
celebrating (like a birthday party!) that we're following Jesus and part of God's family
Kids don't need to regurgitate a specific phrase. Talk about it in different ways over time.
Wherever our kids are in their understanding, let us commit to observing and engaging with their curiosities, thoughts, and emotions. I love how you're asking questions about Jesus. What a cool faith journey you're on! I didn't fully understand when I got baptized either, but I've learned over time that ___. I love watching how the Spirit is working in your heart and mind. Take your time thinking about this. God loves you no matter what.
Questions or want to talk in more detail? Please contact me at afuller@2bliberty.org.
Some content inspired by the writing of Meredith Miller