If your child has decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you determine if they’re ready to take their next step—baptism.
This guide is designed to help you have meaningful conversations with your child about what it means to follow Jesus and why baptism is such an important part of their faith journey.
This guide is designed to help you have meaningful conversations with your child about what it means to follow Jesus and why baptism is such an important part of their faith journey.
What Comes Before Baptism?
Has your child asked Jesus into their heart?
Saying "yes" to Jesus is the first and most important step. Baptism is not what saves us—it’s a response to salvation. It’s an outward expression of the decision your child has already made to follow Him.
Saying "yes" to Jesus is the first and most important step. Baptism is not what saves us—it’s a response to salvation. It’s an outward expression of the decision your child has already made to follow Him.
Questions to Talk Through
When did you decide to follow Jesus and become His forever friend?
What is water baptism?
Why should we get baptized?
Why do we need to follow Jesus before getting baptized?
Why do people who follow Jesus get baptized?
Why do we go under the water when we get baptized?
Do you stop sinning when you get baptized?
Do I have to get baptized again if I sin again?
- Look for a specific moment when your child understood who Jesus is and chose to follow Him. This might have happened at church, at home, or during a quiet moment on their own.
What is water baptism?
- Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment to make Jesus the leader of their life. Baptism lets others know, “I belong to Jesus now!”
Why should we get baptized?
- Because Jesus was baptized and He asks us to be, too! We are called to follow Jesus' and show everyone that we belong to Him.
Why do we need to follow Jesus before getting baptized?
- Because baptism is for people who have already chosen to make Jesus the leader of their life. It shows the decision we’ve already made to follow Him.
Why do people who follow Jesus get baptized?
- Because Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16–17), and He tells us to do the same (Matthew 28:18–20). It shows that we belong to Him and want to live for Him.
Why do we go under the water when we get baptized?
- Going under the water shows that Jesus died for our sins, and coming up shows that He came back to life. It’s a way to say, "My old life is gone, and I’m starting a new life with Jesus" (Romans 6:3–5).
Do you stop sinning when you get baptized?
- Not right away! Even when we follow Jesus, we still make mistakes. But God helps us grow. When we mess up, we can ask for forgiveness—and He always forgives (Romans 6:1–2; 7:21–23).
Do I have to get baptized again if I sin again?
- No! Baptism is a one-time act that shows you belong to Jesus. When you sin, just go back to Him—He’s always ready to forgive (1 John 1:9).
Tips for Parents
We know it can be hard to navigate these conversations—especially when you want to get it right. Don’t worry—you don’t have to have all the answers. Your role is simply to walk alongside your child with love, patience, and prayer.
Here are a few tips to help:
Here are a few tips to help:
- Let them talk – Ask open-ended questions and give them space to process what they believe.
- Welcome curiosity – Every question is an opportunity to grow. Nothing is too small or too silly.
- There’s no rush – If your child isn’t ready yet, that’s totally okay. Let them grow at their own pace.
- Make it meaningful – If they are ready, celebrate the decision together! Baptism is a huge moment in their walk with Jesus.
Ready to be Baptized?
If your child understands who Jesus is, what baptism means, and why they want to take this step, they’re likely ready!
Register them for baptism HERE. After you register them, someone will contact you soon to answer any questions and walk you and your child through the process. We are excited to walk with your family through this next step!
Register them for baptism HERE. After you register them, someone will contact you soon to answer any questions and walk you and your child through the process. We are excited to walk with your family through this next step!