Comments on: Think Tank: Kids and Baptism http://sojournkids.com/2009/05/think-tank-kids-and-baptism/ The Children's Ministry of Sojourn Community Church Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:43:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Kenny Conley: A Children’s Pastor Wrestles with Theology and Practice — SojournKids http://sojournkids.com/2009/05/think-tank-kids-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-916 Kenny Conley: A Children’s Pastor Wrestles with Theology and Practice — SojournKids Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:31:15 +0000 http://sojournkids.com/?p=1161#comment-916 [...] Think Tank: Kids and Baptism [...] [...] Think Tank: Kids and Baptism [...]

]]> By: Jared Kennedy http://sojournkids.com/2009/05/think-tank-kids-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-755 Jared Kennedy Thu, 14 May 2009 02:24:27 +0000 http://sojournkids.com/?p=1161#comment-755 Charlie, Thanks for chiming in. If you read our full policy, you'll see that your position is very close to Spurgeon's position. We're a little more cautious at Sojourn. I hope that you take time to read our full position paper and not just the full post. You should also check out the other Children's Ministers' answers on Tony Kummer's site. Blessings, Jared Charlie,

Thanks for chiming in. If you read our full policy, you’ll see that your position is very close to Spurgeon’s position. We’re a little more cautious at Sojourn. I hope that you take time to read our full position paper and not just the full post. You should also check out the other Children’s Ministers’ answers on Tony Kummer’s site.

Blessings,
Jared

]]> By: Charlie Wallace http://sojournkids.com/2009/05/think-tank-kids-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-752 Charlie Wallace Wed, 13 May 2009 15:14:58 +0000 http://sojournkids.com/?p=1161#comment-752 What is your church’s policy about baptizing kids? We baptize any child (or person) that professes faith in Jesus. As long as they understand that they are a sinner, what sin has done to them, who Jesus was and is, what Jesus has done for them, and what they are called to as a result (repent, be baptized, and walk in faith while growing in holiness) then they are baptized. Most of our parents have a firm grasp on if their child has been regenerated or not and as long as all parties are comfortable with the decision, we baptize the child. We never rush baptism. Is there any age absolutely too young? Well, of course there are some ages that are too young. For instance, a one-year old should not be baptized. However, I counseled one 6-year old whose parents effectively did their part in raising Him in the fear and admonition of the Lord. The child is smart as a whip, was broken-hearted over his sin, and wanted Jesus in his life. Either he was an expert con-man or he was truly regenerated at that young age. I believe it was the latter. With that said, there have been many kids that age that I've told their parents that they weren't quite ready, and the parents understood and agreed. If you had to pick a “typical” or “ideal” age what would you say? I don't think that one exists. The general Gospel call is available to all, while the specific call is available to those that accept Jesus. Every child develops at different levels mentally and "convictionally." What happens when a kid comes back for re-baptism as a teen? I think you need to ask some questions and find out why the child seeks re-baptism. I would make it hard to be re-baptized. If the teen is almost 100% sure that he or she had no idea what they were doing at the time, then the child should be re-baptized. Hopefully, there will be pastors in place who will follow what I talked about above to prevent that from happening. If it is a teen who did not grow up in the church, then the chance of their first baptism not being valid could be greater. By the way, you guys have a great site! What is your church’s policy about baptizing kids?

We baptize any child (or person) that professes faith in Jesus. As long as they understand that they are a sinner, what sin has done to them, who Jesus was and is, what Jesus has done for them, and what they are called to as a result (repent, be baptized, and walk in faith while growing in holiness) then they are baptized. Most of our parents have a firm grasp on if their child has been regenerated or not and as long as all parties are comfortable with the decision, we baptize the child. We never rush baptism.

Is there any age absolutely too young?

Well, of course there are some ages that are too young. For instance, a one-year old should not be baptized. However, I counseled one 6-year old whose parents effectively did their part in raising Him in the fear and admonition of the Lord. The child is smart as a whip, was broken-hearted over his sin, and wanted Jesus in his life. Either he was an expert con-man or he was truly regenerated at that young age. I believe it was the latter. With that said, there have been many kids that age that I’ve told their parents that they weren’t quite ready, and the parents understood and agreed.

If you had to pick a “typical” or “ideal” age what would you say?

I don’t think that one exists. The general Gospel call is available to all, while the specific call is available to those that accept Jesus. Every child develops at different levels mentally and “convictionally.”

What happens when a kid comes back for re-baptism as a teen?

I think you need to ask some questions and find out why the child seeks re-baptism. I would make it hard to be re-baptized. If the teen is almost 100% sure that he or she had no idea what they were doing at the time, then the child should be re-baptized. Hopefully, there will be pastors in place who will follow what I talked about above to prevent that from happening. If it is a teen who did not grow up in the church, then the chance of their first baptism not being valid could be greater.

By the way, you guys have a great site!

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