At least once a month, someone will ask me about the baptism of their child: “Can we set up a time to talk with you about baptism? I think _______ is ready but I want to be sure.” “_________ has been asking about baptism lately. What are some things I should say?” “After so-and-so got baptized last week, now _________ wants to be baptized too. Can he/she really be ready?”

This is a good thing—a wonderful thing! What a blessing to know that dozens of our children are growing up in homes where they hear the gospel early and often!

But how should we as parents shepherd our children on the subject of baptism? Each case is a little different, but perhaps some instruction would help.

1. First, as a parent you must trust the character of God. As Abraham asked many years ago, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25). He isn’t trying to trick you or your child. He wants to bless your home. When you’re not certain, remember that God loves your child even more than you do.
   
   
2. Second, check yourself: what’s driving you? Are you motivated by a desire to raise your child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, or is there some other impulse at play? As parents, we’re often driven by fear or comparison. Because we know that the stakes are high, we try to control the outcome, manipulating the child into “praying the sinner’s prayer,” and seeking baptism before they’re actually born again by the Holy Spirit. Or perhaps we’ve got an eye on our neighbor: “Her child—who’s a year younger than mine—got baptized two months ago! We’re falling behind!”
   
   We need to relinquish control (or the illusion that we are in control). Salvation is of the Lord. Faith is something your child must exercise for him- or herself. You cannot do it for them.
   
   
3. Third, take it slow (but maintain forward progress). All sorts of things you want for your child just take time, and that’s OK. You take your time teaching them how to read, how to do arithmetic, how to play baseball or soccer. You slow down and enjoy the process of planning and celebrating their birthday or other milestones in their life. Why the rush on baptism? Isn’t this important enough to slow down and savor the work of God in their lives?
   
   On the other hand, don’t take this to mean that you should hang back and let them just figure things out on their own. If you never share the gospel, never teach God’s Word, never confront your child about their relationship with Christ, you’ll communicate that their relationship with the Lord just isn’t important. Keep the conversation going without applying undue pressure.
   
   
4. And that leads me a fourth piece of advice: Approach the conversation from different angles. Often, we think that since the gospel can be shared in five minutes and follow a simple outline, that there really isn’t much to say beyond a few verses in the “Romans Road.”
   This just isn’t the case. Speak to your child about God’s role as the Creator and King of the universe. Explain the nature and impact of sin (“Why is sin so bad?”). Go into detail about the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection. Consider what Jesus has taught about heaven and hell. Illustrate the nature of saving faith.
   
   I don’t mean that you should do all these things in every conversation. But don’t be afraid to drill down and mine the depths of one feature of the gospel story at a time. You never know which part of the gospel message will most effectively bring about conviction of sin and a response of faith.
   
   
5. Fifth, conspire with others. Take advantage of your church family. As a mom or dad, you must “do the work of an evangelist” and share Christ with your son or daughter. But there may be a Sunday School teacher, a fellow parent, a babysitter, or a family friend with a spiritual gift or a rapport with your child. God’s plan may be for them to reap after you’ve sown for years. And what if He does? Doesn’t God get all the glory anyway? Does it matter as long as your child believes in Jesus?
   
   Don’t be afraid to speak to the members of your church family about the souls of your children. Ask for prayer and advice, and welcome the input of anyone who will faithfully share the gospel with your kids.
   
   
6. Finally, use the resources available to you. In the past, I’ve relied on the verses and topics compiled in the book Established in the Faith by David Michael. This is a fantastic resource that parents can consult in order to take the baptism conversation to the next step.