Kids baptism

We love celebrating when kids decide to follow Jesus. Baptism is a meaningful step in a child’s faith journey, and we want to walk with you as a family through it. Because baptism is a public declaration of personal faith, we take time to ensure each child understands what it means.

What is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to trust and follow Jesus. It doesn’t save us, Jesus does. Baptism is a way of saying, “I belong to Him.” We encourage parents to go through this page with their child and talk about what baptism means.

OUR Process: 

1. Review This Page Together: Parents and children should read through this page and discuss what baptism is and why it matters.

2. Meet with a Pastor: After reviewing the material, your child (and you, if you’d like) will meet with one of our pastors for a short conversation. This isn’t a test, it’s simply a chance to hear your child’s story and ensure they understand the decision they’re making.

3. Let Us Know You’re Ready: When you feel ready to move forward, fill out the Baptism Interest Form below. We’ll follow up with next steps and help coordinate a future baptism date.

Interest Form

A Note to Parents

You play the most important role in your child’s spiritual life. We’re here to support you, encourage you, and celebrate this milestone with your family.

If you have questions at any point, please reach out. We’d love to talk with you.

FAQ's

〰️

FAQ's 〰️

  • Baptism is a way to tell everyone that we are followers of Jesus and we want to live our lives with Him. It’s an outward symbol of a decision that was already made. Baptism is not the same thing as salvation. Anyone who chooses to follow Jesus and accept God’s forgiveness is saved. We say saved because when you choose to follow Jesus, God has made it so that we get to live forever with Him while we’re here on earth and later in Heaven. Baptism is not a way to get God to love you more than He already does. God’s love for us is not dependent on anything we do or don’t do. His love never changes.

  • We do it to follow the example of Jesus. God’s Word says this: “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was Baptized by John in the Jordan” Mark 1:9 (ESV). Jesus describes baptism as a component of following Him. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19 (ESV). When believers are immersed in water, they identify with Christ in His death. When they arise out of the water, they are symbolizing their faith in His resurrection.

  • Kids can understand some really big ideas. We have found that most children at least 7-years-old are able to understand the symbolism of baptism. It doesn’t mean that they have a full understanding of spiritual things, just like us grown-ups, are still learning too. The prerequisite for baptism isn’t “full understanding of God.” Sometimes their simple and pure thought process when it comes to faith is the very thing that makes this even more meaningful. God’s word says this: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”

  • Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for salvation.

    Though we do not baptize infants, we encourage parents to dedicate their baby to the Lord. You may attend a Child Dedication class or visit our Baptism page for more information regarding child dedications.

  • Feel the freedom to be honest and say “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.” We want to help! You can ask your MHBC Kids Ministry Pastor or set up a time to talk more about the questions your kid might be asking. We will be glad to help you find the answer!