When a child first mentions their desire to be baptized most parents are not sure how to respond. I have written on this before, but some time has passed. Now there is another “generation” of parents who face this. Hopefully, last week’s article and this one will give some insight into how to handle this in the right way.
Consider the tender heart of the child who asks. As a parent, you have brought influences into that child’s life which has created this situation. Make sure your child knows that you are thankful they have this desire. If you choose to delay that baptism, make sure the child is not discouraged to the point of having lower self-esteem as you talk to him.
Having expressed your joy, I suggest you sit down with them and humbly talk about it. Obviously, there are things you should ask to see where they are. Sometimes it is better to ask a series of questions. You could ask them about the Lord’s supper and all of worship. You should be able to see if they are old enough to worship. Worship is not just eating bread and drinking fruit of the vine, it involves discerning the Lord’s body as they examine themselves. Worship is not just turning the pages in a songbook. It involves the soul as the words are sung. Worship is not just sitting reverently on a pew. It involves listening to what God says and its impacts on life. Obviously, a child using electronics at worship is not worshiping.
Ask them what we pray about at worship and what we should do when we pray (the answer is not just bow your heads and close your eyes). Ask them about the words of the songs we sing to see if they know more than words.
As you talk about these matters ask them why they want to be baptized and then be quiet. Do not help them give the right answer. Be careful that you do not make this question more important than the other question, even though it probably is.
One way I see if they know why they should be baptized is to ask, “Someday Jesus will come to take people to heaven. If He came today would he take your little brother to heaven? Would He take mommy and daddy to heaven? If He came today would He take you to heaven?” Listen carefully for if he says yes to that last question. If so, he does NOT understand the purpose of baptism or what sin is and how it impacts our relationship with God.
If a child does not know enough, gently tell him that he needs to keep studying and soon he will know when he should be baptized. Feel free to call me and talk more about this. Continue to pray and teach your children.