Parent Talk: Is My Child Ready for Baptism?

Anna and Matt help parents navigate one of the biggest questions that can come up when raising kids in the faith: How do I know if my child is ready for baptism? Children can genuinely love and trust Jesus, but parents also want wisdom to discern between a passing moment and lasting evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work.

❤️ The REAL Marks of Grace

🙏 R — Repentance

Look for more than an “I’m sorry” after getting caught. Is your child beginning to recognize their own sin, confess it, and understand that they need Jesus to forgive them and change their heart?

❤️ E — Expressed Love for Christ

Does your child talk about Jesus outside of church or family worship? Do they show a growing desire to read the Bible, pray, and know Jesus without always being prompted?

🌱 A — Active Fruit of the Spirit

Look for growing evidence of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, especially in areas where your child has struggled before. The fruit won't be perfect, but is there real growth?

🏃 L — Lasting Perseverance

Faith isn't only about an emotional moment. After correction, disappointment, or an ordinary day, does your child continue returning to Jesus, prayer, and God's Word?

💧 Disciple Expectantly. Baptize Evidentially.

The goal isn't to wait until your child is perfect. Instead, disciple your children expectantly, believing the Holy Spirit can genuinely save them at any age, while baptizing evidentially, looking for clear and lasting signs of repentance and faith.