As followers of Jesus Christ, baptism is an essential step in our relationship with Him. It is an out opportunity to announce that we have chosen to trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, turn away from sin to God, and orient our lives toward God and His purpose. Baptism identifies Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and identifies us as children of God who are actively participating in His mission in the world. It is a step of obedience to God in following the example that Jesus set (see Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27; Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19-20).

Does your child display a genuine TRUST in Christ? Do they believe that Jesus is God’s son, died for their sin, rose from the dead, and today prepares a place for us in Heaven? Has your child recognized their sin and decided to TURN from it, repenting, showing remorse, and making a move toward right living? Has your child decided to TELL Jesus He is first? This is a decision of Lordship, and you should notice your child pursuing a life submitting to the Lord’s leading. In Scripture, when people did these things, they were baptized soon after.

With children, we also like to see some cognitive markers:

• Can your child share what baptism means? Baptism is a way of showing that we trust in Jesus, we have turned away from sin to Him, and want Him to be first in our lives.
• Can your child, in their own words, explain the Gospel message? (God created, man sinned, God sent His perfect Son, Jesus died to pay for our sin, we can be forgiven and restored by trusting in and following Jesus, and become a part of what God is doing today.)
• Can your child share why they want to get baptized? Do they want to know, love, obey, and follow Jesus, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19)? Some children want to get baptized only because they have seen a friend or relative get baptized. This is not a reason for baptism.
• Has your child consistently asked about baptism or following Jesus, on their own initiative? Do they continue to bring it up over a prolonged period of time, without prompting? This can often be an indicator that God’s Spirit is at work in their lives.

If you still have questions or are not sure if your child is ready, your church leadership will be happy to talk with you.

Each person must take the step of baptism because it is their own personal decision. Children should never be pressured to get baptized if they are not ready. As a parent or trusted leader in the life of a child, you will have the best gauge on their readiness for baptism. They also fall under your spiritual leadership, which means that you must be comfortable with their decision for baptism. Your church leadership is also happy to talk with you and your child about their understanding of baptism.

Jesus said, “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you…” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT) Anyone who is an immersed, active Christ-follower can baptize your child. At Southeast Christian Church, all who baptize will also demonstrate alignment with our church’s beliefs and mission through a signed Statement of Faith. If possible, we often encourage parents to baptize their child so they can play a direct role in this significant, milestone moment.

The Bible does not give a set age for baptism, so we do not give a specific “minimum age.” At Southeast Christian Church we wait until a child is 8 years old to publicly baptize them during a worship service. Younger children may be baptized outside of a public worship service. Age 8 is not a Biblical age, but is a helpful guideline for younger children who might be inclined towards baptism without fully grasping its meaning and significance.

The Forever Treasure process is recommended for children and families who are interested in baptism. The goal of Forever Treasure is to help your child understand core truths that will help build life-long faith. Some families may choose not to go through the process, or go through it after baptism. If you have questions, please contact your church.

If you think your child needs a better understanding of baptism, it is okay to take more time to help them. Encourage your child that they can continue to grow to know and love God more each and every day. Take time to open the Bible together and pray together. Some children benefit from having a tangible date to look forward to (“When you turn __ years old we can go through the Forever Treasure journal and talk more about baptism.”)

We believe that baptism is—at its heart—a personal commitment, a decision that a person makes for himself or herself. In a way, by your child deciding to be baptized now, they are confirming the decision that was made for them when they were born—to raise them to know the Lord. Only now your child is making that decision for themselves.

Your child can get baptized at any time, at any location. Your church will help coordinate baptisms in the church building.

Click here to find a helpful discussion on baptism from Southeast Christian Church pastors Dave Stone and Kyle Idleman, or contact your church directly.