Baptism Guide for Children

We are so excited that you are considering Baptism for your child! Every child can have a personal relationship with Jesus, and at Pine Valley Church, we encourage them to make a decision to follow Him. Our children are encouraged to not just learn about Jesus, but learn from Him by walking with Him every day. The big question is, "Is your child ready for baptism?"

We advise parents to wait until their child is asking to be water baptized. this is usually a good indication that they are ready to be baptized and that it will be a spiritual milestone in their life. While younger children under the age of seven can have a relationship with Jesus, they will not necessarily remember or understand the significance of the event, so we encourage parents to wait for baptism until they are a little older. As you discern if your child is ready to be water baptized, here are some questions to ask your child. The following answers show that your child understands. 

The DecIsion

YOUR CHILD IS NOT READY....
If you don't feel your child understands what it means to be water baptized, it is absolutely appropriate to wait. During this time, let your child observer water baptism and talk to them about what it means. We would love for you to read through the following water baptism devotional with your child and encourage them in their personal friendship with Jesus.

YOUR CHILD IS READY...
If you feel your child understands what it means to be water baptized, then we hope you will read through the following water baptism devotional with them. 

Obeying Jesus' Commandment

"So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end."
- Matthew 28:19-20 NIRV

1. What is the number one reason you should be baptized in water?
Being baptized in water is one of the first steps you take in following Jesus. A friend of Jesus does not just learn about Jesus, but follows Jesus and does the things He did. The number one reason you should get baptized in water is because Jesus did and He told us to do it also.

When you became a friend of Jesus, you were brought into God's kingdom under Jesus's control.  That means you have decided to do what Jesus says and follow His example. Jesus was water baptized , so we should be too. Take time right now to read about Jesus' baptism in your Bible in Matthew 3:13-17.

A Decision of Faith

"By being baptized, we were buried with Christ [Jesus] into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father's glory. And like Christ we can also live a new life." - Romans 6:4 NIRV

When you are baptized in water, it means you have made a decision of faith to do what?
Water baptism does not save you. It has no purpose or meaning until after a person has decided to follow Jesus and invited Jesus into their heart and life. However, water baptism is a very important step in your new Christian life. when you decided to follow Jesus , you made a decision of faith to receive Him into your heart. When you are baptized in water, you are making a decision of faith to follow Him all the days of your life. You are choosing to let Jesus and your new, born-again spirit be in charge of your life. Your water baptism will always be a reminder of your decision to follow the Lord. 

An Outward Picture

"When you were baptized, you were buried together with Him. you were raised to life together with Him by believing in God's power. God raised Jesus from the dead." - Colossians 2:12 NIRV

What is a water baptism a picture of?
Water baptism is just an outward picture of what Jesus has done for you on the inside. Jesus died for your sins, was buried and then He was raised from the dead! When you asked Jesus to be your forever friend, there was a death, a burial and a resurrection (That means raising back to life) that happened in your spirit as you prayed the prayer. Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. That's why you go all the way under the water when you are baptized. You are showing people that your old spirit and all your past sins (the bad things you did ) are buried with Jesus. When you come up out of the water, you are saying that Jesus has given you new life. Everyone sees the picture of the change that taken place inside your heart. 
Download Printable Baptism Guide
If you have any questions, or would like to talk to someone about the process, please call Scott Kujath (Senior Pastor) or Jill Shocklee (Children's Pastor) at 970-884-7196.