Here is the next Children’s ministry think tank question and my answer, followed by a link to other children’s ministers’ answers:
What is your church’s policy about baptizing kids? Is there any age absolutely too young? If you had to pick a “typical†or “ideal†age what would you say? What happens when a kid comes back for re-baptism as a teen?
The ideal age for children to be baptized is the age of understanding, approximately ages 7-10, the age in which children understand the concept of a Spiritual water burial and being raised to a new life in Christ.
During those elementary years, children have gotten acclimated to school and have worked through recent transitional periods, such as preschool to kindergarten to grade school, therefore, easing the Spiritual transition. At this mid-elementary school age, they are able to understand more difficult concepts. However, the Bible states that people must come with “faith as a child†so the concept of salvation and baptism is not completely out of reach for a young child.
Parents and Children’s ministry leaders must allow children to begin the question process towards baptism. When they begin asking questions that shows they are beginning to think and understand salvation and baptism. At that point, leaders must ask children open-ended questions and let them explain the process and the concept back to them. If they can explain it, they understand it and know the reason behind their decision.
If a child who was baptized as a child and comes back during the teen years for re-baptism, churches must spend time with this teen, asking questions about his first experience. Through a relationship, the CM leader will be able to determine if this teen is asking questions regarding re-baptism or re-dedication. Through a personal discipleship program, study, and discipleship with others, one can strengthen his/her Spiritual walk.
Read on for other responses.
Tags: Educational, Ministry by Brenna Phillips
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