Let the Decision Be Theirs, Not Yours
There’s a sacred moment in every child’s journey with Jesus when they say, “I want to be baptized.” The tension is sometimes parents say it before the child ever does.
I get it. As parents, we’re excited. We want our kids to walk in obedience. We want the world to know they love Jesus. But water baptism is not a box for parents to check. It’s a bold, personal declaration from the child, “Jesus saved me. I’ve decided to follow Him. And I want the world to know.”
If we make the decision for them, we rob them of the very thing baptism represents. It’s a personal step of surrender.
Baptism Is a Response. Not a Ritual
Let me be clear, baptism doesn’t save our kids. Jesus already did that. But baptism is how we respond to His salvation.
In Acts 2:38, Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you…” Repentance came first. A personal decision to turn to Jesus. And baptism came after as a step of obedience.
That means a child needs to know:
- Why they’re being baptized
- What it means to follow Jesus
- That this is their choice. Not ours
If we rush it, we may end up with wet kids who haven’t actually made the decision to walk with Jesus.
Ask Questions. Don’t Assume
Parents and leaders, before you schedule the baptism, slow down and ask:
- “Why do you want to be baptized?”
- “What do you believe Jesus did for you?”
- “What does it mean to follow Him?”
Let their answers guide the moment. If they can articulate the Gospel in their own words, even in a simple, childlike way, that’s a beautiful sign of genuine faith.
But if their answer is, “My mom said I should,” or “Because my friends are doing it,” That’s your cue to disciple before the baptism takes place.
Don’t Push the Moment. Shepherd the Heart
This is not about creating emotional responses. It’s about cultivating eternal roots. A child who owns their decision will walk it out with greater boldness and deeper conviction.
A child who was pushed into it may grow up confused about what baptism really means. Jesus never forced anyone into the water. He invited them to follow Him and let them respond.
Let’s follow His lead.
Celebrate Obedience, Not Just the Ceremony
Parents, when your child is ready don’t make it about the pictures, the crowd, or the applause. All of those things are great because we want to capture and enjoy the moment. Make it about obedience.
Prepare their heart more than their outfit. Pray more than you post. Celebrate not just what’s happening in the water but what God’s already done in their heart. This is their story of surrender. Let them own it.
Final Thoughts
Baptism is not a performance. It’s not a rite of passage. It’s a holy response to the grace of Jesus. So let’s stop making the decision for our kids and start helping them hear the voice of Jesus for themselves.
Let’s ask questions. Let’s disciple deeply. Let’s give them room to respond when God, not just their parents, calls them to the water.
Because when they choose obedience when they say, “I’ve decided to follow Jesus…” That’s when baptism becomes more than just a moment. It becomes a marker in their journey with Him. And that’s what we’re here to do. We’re here to raise kids who know how to say yes to Jesus for themselves.
Unshakable kids. 