Take a baptism class and/or read through and discuss a booklet like the one you’re reading now.
Work with your pastor to make the service special. As a pastor, I make up special certificates for each person being baptized with my signature. [Tip: Just type printable baptismal certificate template in your computer’s search engine and you will get lots of choices.] Although I haven’t yet done this, some pastors include a note to the child or older individual, parents, or even one to an infant that could be read later. Here are a few other simple things you might do:
Have a favorite song or scripture read.
Have a special person give a prayer.
Consider having godparents or sponsors who will pledge to encourage you or your child to have a heart for God and follow the Christian faith.
Invite close friends and relatives to attend the service. Make sure you include those who are irreligious and/or don’t attend church. Regarding this latter group, I’ve been surprised at how open and eager many are to attend this kind of event—especially if infants and children are involved.
Give/purchase a gift to commemorate the occasion. Here are a few options to consider:
For infants and toddlers:
The Good Shepherd’s Pasture: A Story of Your Baptism by Elizabeth Harwell and Laura Pennebaker. This book “explains to both children and their parents the rich covenantal theology of baptism in story form using the metaphor of the Good Shepherd’s pasture for the Church.”
At Your Baptism by Steenwyk, Carrie, Witvliet, John D., and Saport, Linda. This book is a “perfect way to show young children how baptism is a sign of God’s love and promises.”
For pre-teens:
NLT Go Bible for Kids: A Life-Changing Bible for Kids (perfect for readers ages 7+)
For teens and young adults:
NLT Student Life Application Study Bible
For older teens and adults:
ESV Study Bible
In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions through the Psalms by Dane Ortland
Consider making a memory box to commemorate the day. One couple I knew included a copy of the bulletin, a printed copy of the sermon preached, and the candle that was lit at their child’s baptism.
Throw a party! Few things deserve as much celebration. One friend shared, “We hosted a reception at the church after Teddy’s baptism as a way to celebrate together with our church family who were there. It took some planning but was really nice. It gave us a chance to do something for the parish and feel connected with them for this important moment for our family.”
Dr. Greg Austen is a church planter with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and the author of several books including How I Became a Christian Despite the Church, Christian Nationalism: A Constructive Conversation, and Irreplaceable: Recovering God’s Heart for Dads.
