Baptism Resource

Dear parents and children,

In this baptism guide you will find answers to some questions that you may have about baptism. Also, children will have a place to write down their own faith story.

What is baptism?

Baptism is an ordinance or special ceremony that Jesus gave us, His followers, to do. (The other ordinance is Communion, where we remember that Jesus died for us by our eating a small wafer and drinking grape juice during a worship service at church.)

In baptism, we go under the water (immersion) in the baptism tank or a lake. It is a picture or symbol of our loving and believing in Jesus. By being baptized we are identifying with Jesus, His message and His people.

Why be baptized?

• Jesus told us to be baptized, so we should obey Him. Matthew 28;18-20
• Jesus Himself was baptized, so we should follow His example. Matthew 3:13-17
• Baptism is a Biblical way of showing others we have become a Christian.

Preparing my Faith Story

Do you remember the day you trusted Jesus as your Savior?

How old were you?

Where were you?

Who was with you?

Why did you decide to trust Jesus?

What did you tell God in your prayer?

What happens at baptism?

1. Dress in slacks or jeans and a shirt or blouse. Bring a plastic bag for wet clothes - a change of clothes, towel, personal items (hair dryer, etc.). Please remove watch and earrings.

2. Meet with Pastor or designated leader 15 minutes before the service. Last minute instructions will be given at that time.

3. A leader will be there to help each child - especially if baptismal service involves a baptismal tank rather than doing the service at a lake. The leader will help the child step into the tank when their name is called.

4. The child will have the opportunity to share a special verse with the congregation or may read part of their faith story.

5. Afterwards, the designated leader will be there with a towel and directs the child to the changing area.

Review

What is baptism?

Why should we be baptized?

Who should be baptized?

Why do you want to be baptized?

What special Bible verse would you like to share at your baptism?

List the names of people you would like to invite to your baptism.

Who should be baptized?

People who have trusted Jesus as their Savior and want to live for Him should be baptized. They should be able to explain what baptism means and why they want to do it. They should also be able to tell about when they trusted Jesus.

Read in the book of Acts in the Bible about many people who believed in Jesus and then were baptized:

*men and women and Simon in Acts 8:12-13,
*the Ethiopian man in Acts 8:35-38,
*Saul in Acts 9:1-18,
*Lydia in Acts 16: 14-15,
*the jailer in Acts 16:28-34,
*many Corinthians in Acts 18:8.

What happens before baptism of a
child at our church?

1. The child goes through baptism material at home with his or her parents.
2. The child and parent visit with the Pastor or designated Leader to talk about the child's faith and baptismal service time and procedures.