Liam, 8, bounced up to me after church with an excitement he could not contain.

Our children’s ministry had joined the main service that morning to watch water baptisms.

“I want to get baptized, too,” Liam said.

Liam’s enthusiasm was evident. Yet his sudden interest in water baptism raised an important question: Was he ready?

While helping children prepare for water baptism is a joyful task, it also requires wisdom.

After all, water baptism is a public declaration of faith arising from a personal commitment to follow Jesus. It represents internal change, identification with Christ’s death, and incorporation into a community of believers. At what age can kids understand and choose these things?

I’m not suggesting age should be a barrier to water baptism. Rather, we need to create pathways so every child can know Jesus and grow in faith. That includes following Him in water baptism at the appropriate time.

For KidMin leaders, our job is laying a foundation of understanding, providing preparation for young baptismal candidates, and showing up for a celebration of their faith commitment (and beyond).

Foundation

Children can start learning about water baptism long before they decide to take that step of faith.

Intentionally incorporate the following methods into your kids’ services and small groups.

Tell stories about water baptism. Bible narratives that mention water baptism provide opportunities to teach this ordinance in kid-friendly ways.

Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River (Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:32–34) and Philip baptizing the Ethiopian man (Acts 8:36–39) are two examples.

Such stories introduce the basic concept of water baptism and offer a biblical frame of reference for the practice in today’s churches.

Use visual aids. Water baptism is an abstract concept that can be difficult for young children to understand or even visualize.

Share illustrations from a children’s Bible or other resource. Demonstrate the process of water baptism using a doll and small container of water.

Activities are another way to help kids visualize water baptism. For example, hand out craft sticks (to represent people) and blue tissue paper (representing water). Then have children role-play water baptism by covering and uncovering the craft sticks.

During craft time, have kids color illustrations of Jesus’ baptism. Or challenge them to paint a river or pool of water using watercolors.

Bring children into the main service to watch water baptisms. This gives kids a chance to witness the ordinance in action and connect it with their own faith journey.

Seeing believers make this public declaration of faith can make a big impression on kids and adults alike.

Afterward, discuss with children what they saw, how they felt, and what water baptism means. Give kids an opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions.

Preparation

Many churchgoers came to faith during childhood. It should not be surprising, then, that some kids also express an interest in water baptism.

The heart of the issue is whether children can comprehend the significance of water baptism. Concepts such as sin, repentance, atonement, redemption and resurrection can be difficult even for adults to grasp.

Young children typically lack abstract thinking skills. Cognitive development is ongoing through adolescence and early adulthood.

A 6-year-old may not understand water baptism the way a teenager would. Of course, that doesn’t mean we should dismiss a child’s sincere love for Jesus and desire to follow Him.

Kids should be able to explain, in their own words, why they want to follow Jesus and what water baptism means to them.

The appropriate age for water baptism may vary depending on a child’s maturity. Some churches have policies establishing a minimum age, while others make determinations based on each candidate’s expression of faith.

We can’t expect children to think or sound like theologians. Yet kids should be able to explain, in their own words, why they want to follow Jesus and what water baptism means to them.

When a child demonstrates genuine faith, understanding, and interest, it may be time to move forward with water baptism preparation.

To make sure everyone is on board with the decision, start by talking with the child’s parents or guardians.

Then work through the following four steps.

1. Determine the duration and setting for water baptism preparation. Depending on your program, baptism preparation might take a few sessions or continue over a longer period.

At a minimum, consider meeting with kids and their parents or guardians for two to three weeks prior to water baptism.

Keep the atmosphere comfortable and encouraging. Water baptism is an important step, but it should feel accessible to kids, not intimidating.

Meeting in a familiar room, perhaps where children normally attend class, helps create a welcoming environment.

2. Use a kid-friendly curriculum on water baptism. A good curriculum explains the meaning of water baptism (a demonstration of the decision to follow Jesus); the reason for this step (obedience to Jesus); and what happens next (a lifelong journey of growing in faith).

3. Help kids prepare their testimonies. Expressing faith in their own words gives children an opportunity to reflect on what Jesus has done in their lives.

Testimonies don’t have to be long or complicated. Encourage kids to express who Jesus is to them and why they are excited about following Him.

Guide children through the process by asking what they love most about Jesus and why they want to be baptized in water.

Practicing with KidMin leaders or family members will boost the confidence of young baptismal candidates, making it easier for them to share on the day of their baptism.

4. Navigate readiness concerns with sensitivity. My Big Book on Water Baptism, a free downloadable resource children can work through with parents or guardians, is available at KidminRoadmap.com.

Some children might complete these preparation steps but still not seem ready. If a child is struggling to articulate why he or she is seeking baptism or doesn’t seem to understand what it means, it’s OK to take a step back.

Reassure kids and their parents that waiting is perfectly fine. Encourage children to keep growing in their faith either way.

Celebration

Water baptism should be a time of celebration for kids, their families, and the church community.

Children’s leaders can mark this spiritual milestone in a variety of ways, such as taking photos or giving each child a certificate, Bible, or other tangible reminder of the event.

A child’s spiritual journey doesn’t end after water baptism. The weeks and months that follow will bring new opportunities for ministry and discipleship.

Check in regularly with these children, encouraging them to develop spiritual habits and become more involved in the church community. Offer them ways to serve, such as helping with worship or prayer during kids’ services.

As a KidMin leader, you have the privilege of helping children take their first steps toward following Jesus.

When a child like Liam expresses an interest in getting baptized, there’s no reason for consternation. Put together a plan now for discipling kids in water baptism and beyond.

By laying a solid foundation, preparing hearts, and celebrating commitments, you can help children begin a lifelong journey of Christian discipleship.

This article appears in the Winter 2025 issue of Influence magazine.