Growing In Faith
Is your child interested in taking the next step in their faith journey? We would love to help! Please check out these resources designed to help you lead your child closer to Christ!
KID FAITH
This class allows parents and kids to walk through the ABC’s of following Jesus together. It will help equip parents with kid friendly language theologic language and allow kids space to ask all their BIG questions.
BAPTISM
If you think it might be time for your child to be baptized, we have a whole page dedicated to helping you prepare your child for this huge occasion.
Hey Parents!
If your child has made the decision to follow Jesus, it might be time for them to take the next step by being water baptized. Below you will find a couple videos, a parent/child devotional, and some FAQs to help you and your child talk through what it means to be water baptized.
Water Baptism Guide
We are so excited that you are considering baptism for your child! Every child can have a personal relationship with Jesus, and at Lake Hills Church, our prayer is that every child would make a decision to follow Him. Our children are encouraged not just to learn about Jesus, but to learn from Jesus by walking with Him every day.
It’s great for parents to start the conversation about being baptized, but we advise parents to wait on baptizing their child until the child is personally asking to take this big step of faith. This is usually a good indication that they are ready to be baptized. While younger children can have a genuine relationship with Jesus, they will not necessarily remember or understand the significance of the event, so we generally encourage parents to wait for baptism until they are in the second grade or older. Each child, along with their parents, getting baptized at Lake Hills Church will have the opportunity to meet with one of our pastors before making this big faith milestone.
As you discern if your child is ready to be water baptized, here are some questions to ask your child. The following answers show that your child understands water baptism.
1. When did you decide to follow Jesus and become born again?
Look to see when your child understood what Jesus did through His death and resurrection. Also, look for a specific time when he or she made a commitment to follow Jesus. It may have been at church, at home, or even when they were alone.
2. What does it mean to be water baptized?
I am following Jesus, and I want everyone to know! It is a picture of what Jesus has done on the inside of me. The old me is gone, and the new me, filled with the life of Jesus, is here!
3. Why do you want to be water baptized?
Because Jesus was baptized and he tells His followers to be baptized too. Because I want to follow Him. Because I am born again.
*It’s important for a child to understand that baptism is not what saves them from sin - that’s accomplished by putting our faith in Jesus.
4. Is my child ready?
If you feel your child does not understand what it means to be water baptized, it is entirely appropriate to wait. During this time, let your child observe water baptism and talk to them about what it means. We would love for you to read through the water baptism devotional with your child and encourage them in their personal friendship with Jesus.
Devotional
Devotional
FOLLOWING JESUS’ COMMANDMENT
“So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIRV
Water baptism is one of the first steps you take in following Jesus. A disciple of Jesus does not just learn about Jesus but follows Jesus and does the things He taught and modeled. The number one reason you should get baptized in water is because Jesus tells you to be baptized. When you were saved from sin by making Jesus your Lord, you were brought into God’s family under Jesus’ control. That means you have decided to do what Jesus says and follow His example. Jesus was baptized in water Himself, and He set the example for all of the disciples to follow.
Take time right now to read about Jesus’ baptism in your Bible in Matthew 3:13-17.
Question: What is the number one reason you should be baptized in water?
A DECISION OF FAITH
“By being baptized, we were buried with Jesus into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Jesus we also can live a new life.” Romans 6:4 NIRV
Water baptism does not save or make you born again. It only has purpose and meaning once a person has decided to follow Jesus and has invited Him to be the Lord of their life. However, water baptism is a very important step in following Jesus. When you decided to follow Jesus, you made a decision of faith to receive Him into your life. When you are baptized in water, you are making a decision of faith to follow Him for your whole life. You are choosing to let Jesus be in charge of your new life. Your water baptism will always be a reminder of your decision to follow Jesus.
Question: What decision of faith are you making when you are water baptized?
AN ONWARD PICTURE
“When you were baptized, you were buried together with Jesus, and you were raised to life together with him.” Colossians 2:12 NIRV
Water baptism is an outward picture of what Jesus has done for you on the inside. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and then was raised from the dead to life! When you were saved from sin by making Jesus your Lord, there was a death, a burial, and a raising to life that happened in your spirit. (I Corinthians 12:13) This is why you go all the way under the water when you are baptized. You are showing people that your old spirit and all your sins are buried with Jesus. When you come up out of the water, you are saying that Jesus has given you new life inside, that you have been born again. Everyone can see the picture of the change that has taken place on the inside of you.
Question: Water baptism is a picture of what?
