Baptism and Your Child

By Pastor Bill Rains

A Message for Parents Struggling with Their Child’s Baptism

This message is for every parent who finds it difficult to allow their children to experience biblical baptism by immersion. Please understand that my intention is not to upset you but to provide guidance on this important matter.

The Struggle of Supporting Children in Baptism

Throughout my 46 years in the pastorate, I have witnessed children come to the realization of their need for salvation. Many sincerely receive Christ as their Savior, only to receive little to no support from their parents when they desire to follow the Lord in baptism. Some parents even rebuke their children for wanting to be baptized in their church, refusing to support them in this first act of obedience to Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:37-39).

Common Reasons Parents Hesitate

• “My child doesn’t know what they’re doing.” The Bible teaches that we all must have childlike faith for salvation (Matthew 18:3-6).
• “We belong to a different religion or church.” Salvation is found only in Jesus Christ, not in a particular church or denomination (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).
• “We don’t have time for church.” Some parents prioritize other activities over church, failing to see the need for leading a biblical life (Matthew 13:22). Many mistakenly believe that everyone will go to Heaven regardless of faith.

The Impact of Withholding Support

Dear parents, do you think supporting your child’s faith and obedience in baptism could harm them? Do you believe that discouraging or rebuking them for wanting to follow Jesus will benefit them in their teenage and adult years? On the contrary, refusing to support their spiritual growth often leads them to be swept up in the world’s sin and sorrow. Without biblical love and guidance, future generations may not even know about God or Heaven.

Your decision to withhold support when your child expresses a desire to be baptized can have devastating effects. It can shape their attitude and actions in ways that are detrimental to their lives. In reality, a parent’s failure to support their children in biblical matters often reveals their own spiritual distance from God—or even an absence of true salvation.

A Call to Action for Parents

Parents, I urge you to listen. For the sake of your child’s spiritual future, support and encourage them to trust Jesus for salvation. Allow them to follow Him in believer’s baptism and to serve Him in every aspect of their lives. If they later question their salvation, they can always seek scriptural assurance or go through the process again with the guidance of the pastor.

Out of Much Experience and Great Concern,