Baptism

We are tackling a big topic this weekend: Baptism!

We will join Hickory Nut as he is present for the baptism of Jesus by his cousin, John the Baptist. While most adults are familiar with the concept of Baptism, you may not know exactly what Radiant believes about Baptism.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19

Here at Radiant Church, we practice public (people watch us get baptized and are witnesses to the event) water baptism by immersion (we place you completely under the water and bring you back out) in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit as Jesus commanded (see Matthew 28:19).

Water Baptism & Elementary Kids

If a child wants to get baptized and they are 8 years old through 6th grade, they must first have a personal interview with a Radiant Church Children’s Pastor. It will then be determined from the interview if the child has truly accepted Jesus into their heart and that they understand what baptism is about. The interview takes place at the church and usually lasts about 10-15 minutes. We ask that parents wait in the reception area while their child is being interviewed, so that the child does not feel pressured into getting baptized. After the interview, details about how the baptism will take place will be explained to the parent.

Water Baptism & Children Ages 0-7 Years

We do not practice baptism on children 7 and younger at Radiant. As parents and church leaders, we cannot force someone else (our children) to become a Christian. We do, however, practice child dedication. Child dedication is a commitment a parent makes to teach their child about Jesus so that when they are old enough, they will make a personal decision to follow Jesus. Watch for the next child dedication service in your weekly church bulletin.

Points to remember when talking to kids about baptism:
-Baptism is for those who have accepted Jesus into their heart
-After we get saved, we should get baptized
-Nothing special happens during baptism – The special part happened inside of us when we asked Jesus into our heart
-Baptism is to show everyone else that we accepted Jesus into our heart
-We get baptized by going completely under water and coming back out
-We get baptized in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit as Jesus commanded

See you guys for Week #3 of "In A Nutshell!"