Baptism is an external symbol of an internal change that has occurred for those who put their faith in Jesus. Baptism serves as a symbol of our death with Jesus (submersion into water) and our being raised to new life with Christ (rising out of the water). In the act of baptism, we declare God's great love for us and all people, and celebrate that because of God's love we are now God's child. Baptism does not save us, only God can save us through our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a joyful expression and symbol of the work of God in our salvation.
We long for baptism to be a significant step in the discipleship process so children will walk with God for a lifetime. Ridge Kids is excited to offer a Baptism Interest Class for kids 10 years of age and older. It is our collective experience in ministry that the older a child is at their baptism, the more importance it has on the teenage years and beyond.
We know that many kids meet Christ and come to an understanding of His rescuing salvation at different stages of life (some are younger, others older). If your child does not meet the Ridge's age requirement for baptism and you'd like to talk about it with us, please do! We're here to come alongside parents, provide resources, and support your child in their steps to follow Christ. You can email our Ridge Kids director Sharla Tilley.
"FOR YOU WERE BURIED WITH CHRIST WHEN YOU WERE BAPTIZED. AND WITH HIM YOU WERE RAISED TO NEW LIFE BECAUSE YOU TRUSTED THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD, WHO RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD. YOU WERE DEAD BECAUSE OF YOUR SINS AND BECAUSE YOUR SINFUL NATURE WAS NOT YET CUT AWAY. THEN GOD MADE YOU ALIVE WITH CHRIST, FOR HE FORGAVE ALL OUR SINS."
COLOSSIANS 2: 12-13