Where the Rubber Meets the Road

I'd like to thank my colleagues, Dr. Mark Quanstrom and Dr. Carl Leth, for an excellent job of laying before us the theological issues associated with infant baptism and infant dedication.  While their articles have helped us to think through the issues at stake and may have swayed many of us to reconsider our understanding of both rites, there remains the practical application of these theological understandings.  In a brief overview I would like to address the "what now?" questions that exist for the pastor who has to deal with these issues on a regular basis.  It is my hope that this ongoing conversation will help to establish some new patterns that will address the practical issues associated with infant baptism and infant dedication.

It seems to me that in the Church of the Nazarene we have at least two dilemmas facing us that need to be addressed.  If a child is dedicated as an infant then when should the child be baptized?   If a child is baptized as an infant what system should be in place for the child to confirm his/her baptism?   These two questions appear to be where the "rubber meets the road" in the debate between infant dedication and infant baptism.

Scenario #1:  Amber is dedicated by her parents as an infant and at the age of six she responds to the Gospel message and accepts Christ as her Savior.  Her parents think that maybe she is too young to be baptized now because she doesn't fully understand what it means and they want it to be a special moment.  She continues to be taught by her parents and church, and two years later she hears an announcement that there will be a baptism service for those who have made a confession of faith.  Amber and her parents work through the "So...You Want to be Baptized?" booklet provided by her church and after doing so they believe she is ready.  Is she?  What are the issues at stake?

It seems to me that one of the major concerns of many pastors is a child being baptized too soon and later feeling the need to be re-baptized when they better understand.  Perhaps this is the concern Dr. Leth has when he states in his article that he prefers "dedication of the infant and confessing baptism of a reasonably mature adolescent or adult."  While this is a legitimate concern, I believe that if a child loves God, has a solid understand of why one is baptized, and can give a testimony of faith in God, then we should be open to baptizing that child.  It will then be the responsibility of the parents and the church to help the child's understanding of their baptism develop as they mature.  When Amber comes to the point later in life when she commits to a deeper walk with God and wants to be re-baptized, her parents and pastor should provide an opportunity to make this commitment public while helping her understand that she does not need to be baptized again.  The main issue at stake with child believer baptism is that the child understand baptism at the level at which she is capable.  This decision should include the parents and the pastor.  It is a good idea for the child to be able to verbalize their testimony and their understanding of baptism.

Scenario #2: Blake was baptized as an infant and is now 9 years old and the prayers of his parents have been answered the day he goes to the altar to ask Jesus to forgive him of his sin and come into his life.  His friends, who have also accepted Christ as their Savior, are preparing to be baptized and he wants to be baptized as well.  What should be done?

This is a common concern for many children that were baptized as infants.  Unfortunately, we do not have a formal system in place for these children to confirm their baptism.  Perhaps an appropriate response is one I heard Dr. Leth mention in conversation.  He suggests that in the service where some are being baptized as believers, those who were baptized as infants be given an opportunity to give their testimony and to share God's work in their lives.  Both groups should be celebrated in the service and it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a celebration for them after the service - both those who were baptized and those who shared their testimony.  This is a good first step and one that I support, but it is only the first step. 

The real issue in both scenarios has to do with providing a systematic program that is designed to help all children grow in their faith.  The Church of the Nazarene actually has such a curriculum that is unknown by many in the church.  "Discovering My Faith" is a curriculum that is designed to walk sixth graders through the 16 articles of faith.  In its early days this curriculum was referred to as the "Catechism."  "Discovering My Faith" is used by many churches to prepare both fifth and sixth grade children for church membership, but it can also function as a way of preparing one for confirmation.  I know of one church that provides an opportunity for those who have successfully completed the curriculum and made a confession of faith to join the church.  A special Sunday ceremony is scheduled where the children confess their faith and are accepted as members of the church.  It serves as both a moment of confirmation and a moment of ownership to the church.

While these articles have not solved all of the issues, I hope that they have caused us to stretch our thinking and challenged us to be more intentional about what we do in helping children experience God and grow in their faith.  This is a good beginning to the conversation, but it must continue.  Our children are precious to God and whether they are dedicated or baptized as infants, we need to provide a system at home and at church that will help them walk closer with God everyday.