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How to Maximize Momentum with Baptisms

(Co-written by Matt McGill)

One of the joys that results from youth ministry is witnessing the significant spiritual commitments of our students. Public commitments, like baptism, can be especially exciting, and at the same time enhance the strength of your entire youth ministry. It can be a blessing to see life change.

I’d like to give you some ideas to help your ministry maximize the momentum created by student baptisms.

HELP THEM UNDERSTAND:
Baptism isn’t just western culture or tradition. It isn’t a tired ritual that we do, “just because.” It’s important that our students understand the biblical teaching about baptism.

GOSPEL BASICS:  
You can’t take anything for granted, especially these days when it seems like many of our students don’t have much biblical knowledge. Prepare your students by thoroughly explaining the essential elements of baptism. Help them see beyond/behind the specific act of baptism so they can understand God’s grace and mercy in our lives.

REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT:
Talk about baptism on a regular basis in your gathering. Don’t wait until it’s time to promote your next baptism, when the right opportunity presents itself, talk about this spiritual commitment.

BE HONEST:
Following Jesus doesn’t automatically solve every problem. That’s a fairy tale, a distorted faith won’t stand up under the realities of our broken world. Help teenagers see this is one step (albeit an important one).

GIVE THEM SPACE:
Both of us are passionate about equipping students to grow spiritually on their own. Teenagers need some time to think about and consider baptism. Find a resource (or write your own) that teenagers can read that will challenge them to reflect on their desire to be baptized or a baptism that they’ve observed.

MAKE SURE THE PARENTS ARE ON BOARD
A family-friendly youth ministry helps parents understand their child’s spiritual journey. Give parents more than just baptism dates and times (although, don’t forget that critical information). Make sure you also instruct and encourage parents about the essentials surrounding baptism. Invite your parents to be a part of your ministry’s baptism class (if you have one).

Encourage students to talk to parents about their decisions. Conversations between parents and teenagers are rare, but a public commitment like baptism is a great chance for a student to connect with his/her parents about their faith. Talking to family members about baptism is also a great opportunity for the student to process and sharpen his opinion and experience as a follower of Jesus in a safe environment.

Ask parents for permission before you baptize their son or daughter. Most parents don’t want to miss the opportunity to invite extended family and friends to witness the event. This may mean you adjust your schedule and wait a week after camp to do baptisms. While this may be disappointing to your spontaneous plans, we believe it’s the right call to honor parents this way.

For families who don’t go to church, you may experience some skepticism. We’ve even experience some parents being hostile toward our “religious propaganda.” If you come across parents who don’t want their son/daughter to be baptized, we strongly advise you to allow the family time to figure it out on their own. Baptism isn’t a salvation issue and the teenager will have future opportunities to express their faith thru baptism at a later date.

In short, make sure your parents are on board, and not caught off guard by their child’s decision to be baptized.

CELEBRATE:
Baptisms are worth celebrating, no matter what the style or tradition of your church. Jesus defeated death! Clap, cheer, gather everyone to sing FRIDAY by Rebecca Black. OK, that’s a horrible singing idea…but you get the picture. Include the church body and surround the baptizing student with people of all ages. Baptism is a public commitment that can be enhanced when surrounded by the church community. Consider getting a small gift for each student who is baptized…even if it’s as simple as a short handwritten note.

FOLLOW UP:
Remember, baptism is just one step in the spiritual journey with Jesus. As youth workers, we believe in the spiritual growth process and know that there’s a lot more to follow in that teenager’s life. Put the baptism date on your calendar so you can follow up with some encouragement and prayer a month later and even a year (our track record is that if it doesn’t make it onto the calendar, it usually doesn’t happen). Keep in mind their next spiritual step, which may be joining a small group or serving in a ministry team. If discipleship were a one-time event, it would be a lot easier.

HELP THEM TELL THEIR STORY:
There is a lot of power in the story of a changed life! Personal stories have great impact and can become a tremendous blessing when shared with others. Baptism is a great opportunity to have students share their faith story. Help them articulate their life-change story so they can share it both at the time of baptism and any other time. They don’t need to memorize a formula; they only need to be intentional about discovering the important parts of their story.  

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dougfields@churchleaders.com'
Doug Fields has been in youth ministry since 1979 and former pastor to students at Saddleback Church in Southern California. He's the author of 50+ books, including the best-selling Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry & Your First Two Years in Youth Ministry. He's also the founder of Simply Youth Ministry, an instructor at Azusa Pacific University/HomeWord, and on the leadership team with Youth Specialties. You can connect with Doug through his blog at www.downloadyouthministry.com! More from Doug Fields or visit/subscribe to Doug's blog at www.dougfields.com