Written by David Anderson, Childhood Ministry Strategist
It has often been said that the first step of obedience, for a new believer, is baptism. This phrase is so true and supported throughout the New Testament as we see every documented new believer follow through with baptism almost immediately. The question arises then. Why do we see so many children make professions of faith but wait a long time, and sometimes never, to follow through with this simple step? As a church, we should look within to understand our part in this scenario.
Throughout the year, and especially during the summer, we do a good job sharing the Gospel with children. Through VBS, day-camps, overnight camps, sports outreaches, and many other opportunities, we pour ourselves into sharing the Good News. We then often pat them on the back, congratulate them, celebrate them, and send them on their way. If we would like obedient children in every other area of life, then we should strive to help our children be obedient in this important ordinance of the church as well.
Isn’t that one of the reasons for baptism, to share what Christ has done in your life as a testimony to what He can do in anyone else’s life?
In 2025, we want to help our local churches gain some focus and follow through with baptism for the children we minister to all year long, but especially those making a decision for Christ during this summer. We have designated September 14 as Children’s Baptism Sunday for Louisiana Baptist churches. Our goal is that our churches will take time in August to follow up with each decision and offer them the opportunity to be obedient followers of Christ. Then on September 14, the church will have a grand celebration while baptizing those that had made decisions previously. This may even spur others on to make that decision to follow Christ also. Isn’t that one of the reasons for baptism, to share what Christ has done in your life as a testimony to what He can do in anyone else’s life?
So let’s get our calendars out, schedule September 14 for Children’s Baptism Sunday and guide our children in their first glorious step of obedience in a lifetime of following Jesus.
