Children’s Baptism at Our Church

We are grateful when children express a desire to be baptized. That desire matters, and we take it seriously. At the same time, we believe baptism is a meaningful step of discipleship that should be taken when a child is ready to understand and personally own what they are professing.

Why We Take a Careful Approach

Baptism is not a reward for good behavior, Bible knowledge, or spiritual enthusiasm. It is a public sign of repentance, faith, and commitment to follow Jesus. Because of that, we do not rush children into baptism, nor do we tie baptism to a specific age.

Instead, we focus on readiness.

God is already at work in children long before baptism, and saying “not yet” is not a denial of faith—it is part of faithful formation.

When Do We Baptize Children?

We baptize children when they demonstrate Christian readiness rather than when they reach a certain birthday. In general:

  • Under age 6: We focus on formation and catechesis, not baptism.

  • Ages 6–8: Baptism is uncommon and considered only in rare, exceptional cases.

  • Ages 8–11: This is the most common age range for children’s baptism, with discernment.

  • Ages 12 and up: Children are generally able to reflect on and own their faith more independently.

Every child is considered individually, with care and prayer.

How We Discern Readiness

A child is considered ready for baptism when they can:

  • Explain the gospel in their own words

  • Recognize sin and the human condition as something they personally understand and need God’s grace for

  • Express a personal desire to follow Jesus (not simply to please parents or peers)

  • Understand baptism as a symbol of new life in Christ, not something that inherently saves or changes one’s existence in the world

  • Show a consistent desire to follow Jesus over time

These conversations are pastoral and gentle, not tests.

The Baptism Process

When a child asks about baptism, we walk with them through:

  1. A short baptism class that explains God, Jesus, sin, grace, and baptism in age-appropriate ways

  2. A pastoral conversation with the child (and parents) to listen for readiness

  3. Ongoing discipleship, whether baptism happens now or later

Our goal is not to delay baptism unnecessarily, but to celebrate it at the right time.

A Word to Parents

If your child is told “not yet,” please hear this as encouragement, not rejection. We believe patience protects children, honors the meaning of baptism, and nurtures lasting faith.

We are committed to partnering with families as children grow in understanding, trust, and discipleship.

Baptism marks a beginning, not an end. We are grateful to walk this journey together.