Preparing Young Children for Baptism & Communion

Introduction

This guide is the fruit of a vision that began several years ago when my oldest daughter was in 6th grade and was invited to attend a baptism preparation class at our church. Even though this was a good experience for her, I was unsettled. I wondered why I was not included in the process. “She's my daughter!” I reasoned. “I'm responsible for nurturing her faith! Shouldn't someone ask me if I think she's ready to be baptized? Shouldn't I contribute something to her preparation?” It was even more unsettling because I did not think she was ready, even though she had been given the green light to proceed.

Rather than encouraging her to move forward in the process, I invited Amy to join me for a special time of preparation before her baptism. I prepared seven sessions to cover the basics of faith, baptism, and church membership. She took these sessions seriously, and we were both surprised by how much we enjoyed them. Each time we met I felt like I was doing my job as the spiritual leader, and when we were finished, I felt more confident that my daughter was ready for baptism. We also discovered that the time spent in these heartfelt discussions about eternal realities drew us closer as father and daughter, reinforcing a special spiritual bond between us that we both will cherish for a lifetime.

Three years later, I became Bethlehem's Pastor for Parenting and Children's Discipleship, and this experience with my daughter shaped the way we have prepared young people for baptism ever since. As a parent, and now as a leader in the church, my desire is that the church faithfully oversees the ordinance of baptism, while preserving and reinforcing the responsibility, privilege, and blessing that belong to parents to prepare their children to take this important step of obedience and faith. May the Lord be pleased to use these efforts for His glory and for the joy of the next generation.

For the Joy of the Next Generation

David Michael

Pastor for Parenting and Family Discipleship

Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Masculine Pronoun

Note: In order to avoid cumbersome wording, we have chosen to use the masculine pronoun when referring to the candidate. Please understand that we are using this pronoun generically.

Process for Baptism of a Young Christian

Candidate expresses interest

Parents of prospective baptism candidates usually enter the process at their own request or in response to a letter of invitation from the church.

Consent is obtained from parents

Candidates under age of 18 gain the consent of their parents before beginning the preparation process. This includes candidates whose parents are not believers.

Mentor is chosen

Each candidate has a mentor. Usually the mentor is the candidate's father—if he is a believer and living in the home. If not, the candidate's mother, grandparent, or another mature believer may assume this responsibility. If neither parent is a believer, the candidate selects (or seeks help finding) a mentor who can lead him through the preparation process and encourage his walk with the Lord following the baptism. Candidates in the same family may share one mentor, but the mentor is encouraged to meet with the candidates separately.

Mentor attends the Discover Baptism & Communion Class

This meeting is designed to help prepare mentors for their significant role in leading the candidate through the preparation process. Spouses are also welcome to attend, but the candidate should not attend this class. Mentor leads 6 individual sessions with candidate. Mentors are encouraged to have at least six separate one-on-one sessions with the candidate over the course of about eight weeks. This guide details the goals and process of leading the young person through each of these sessions. During this time, mentors determine if the candidate should continue in the preparation process or be encouraged to wait. These sessions are as follows: 1. Preparing the Candidate 2. Understanding the Gospel 3. Assurance of Salvation 4. Affirmation of Faith 5. The Meaning of Baptism 6. Preparing a Testimony 4 Please Note: The reason we are not conducting these sessions in a classroom is to remove the pressure that young people (or their parents) can feel to proceed with baptism even if they, their parents, or the elders feel they are not ready. This same pressure can exist when more than one child in a family is being prepared at the same time. It can be awkward in a family if it is determined that one sibling is ready and the other sibling should wait. And it is particularly awkward when the older sibling is the one who should wait. Mentors and candidates meet at a Saturday morning group session. Mentors and candidates meet together with one or two church leaders. Candidates share their testimonies with the group and review the meaning of baptism. The candidate must submit their written testimony at least one week prior to this session. It is important for candidates to understand that they are being baptized into the body of Christ and that their church is the local expression of that “body.” Accordingly, we emphasize the importance of active participation and formal membership in the church. Candidates are introduced to the meaning of church membership. The church covenant and statement of doctrine are also reviewed. Elder interviews candidate for baptism. After both the candidate and mentor have indicated the candidate's readiness to move ahead with baptism, the candidate will be interviewed to confirm a credible profession of faith, an accurate understanding of the Gospel, and a comprehension of the meaning and significance of baptism. The interview team will include an elder, an adult leader (e.g., Sunday School teacher, small group leader, etc.) and, when available, an older youth who is a member. During this interview, the candidate gives his or her testimony and responds to questions from the team concerning the candidate's faith and some general questions to discern a basic understanding of the church. Elder interviews candidate for church membership. If, at the time of the baptism interview, the candidate desires to proceed with church membership, the membership interview will be combined with the baptism interview (above). The aim of this interview is to determine the candidate’s readiness for church membership. The interview team will be interested in the candidate’s grasp of the church covenant, the statement of doctrine and the privileges and responsibilities of church membership. Candidate participates in a scheduled baptismal service. Once the interview team recommends the candidate for baptism, the candidate will be scheduled for a future baptismal service.

Church Planting, Church Partnering & Church Resurgence

The church exists to glorify God through the fulfillment of the Great Commission, and in the spirit of the Great Commandment (Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 22:3738).

The commission is fulfilled as disciples of Jesus Christ are made and grow in their relationship with Him and likeness to Him. God is glorified as we manifest His presence as we do His work (2 Timothy 2:2; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

In seeking to act upon the church's purpose, we recognize the extraordinary value in multiplying the reach of His ministry by planting new churches, by partnering with other churches, and by reviving struggling churches (our resurgence ministry).

Peace and War

It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war.

The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The supreme need of the world is the acceptance of His teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of Peace.

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Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 5:9,38-48; 6:33; 26:52; Luke 22:36,38; Romans 12:18-19; 13:1-7; 14:19; Hebrews 12:14; James 4:1-2.

Drawn From

Preparing Young People for Baptism: Mentor's Guide by David Michael

®2001, 2011 Children Desiring God

NOTE: Some sections, including Session 6 adjusted from its original to match Village Distinctive on Baptism.

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Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE

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