Questions to Ask a Child Who Wants to be Baptized
Gentle and age-appropriate questions for children considering baptism that help them understand their faith, express their beliefs, and make an informed decision about this important spiritual step.
1What does baptism mean to you?
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What does baptism mean to you?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of baptism and shows what they think this important spiritual step represents in their life.
2Why do you want to be baptized?
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Why do you want to be baptized?
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Why this works
Shows their motivation and helps you understand what's driving their desire to take this spiritual step.
3What do you believe about Jesus?
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What do you believe about Jesus?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of Jesus and shows their foundational beliefs about the central figure of Christianity.
4What does it mean to follow Jesus?
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What does it mean to follow Jesus?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of discipleship and reveals what they think it means to live as a Christian.
5What do you think happens when someone is baptized?
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What do you think happens when someone is baptized?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of the baptismal process and shows what they expect to experience.
6How do you feel about God?
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How do you feel about God?
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Why this works
Shows their relationship with God and reveals their personal connection to their faith.
7What does it mean to you to be a Christian?
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What does it mean to you to be a Christian?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of Christian identity and shows what they think it means to be part of the Christian community.
8What do you think about sin and forgiveness?
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What do you think about sin and forgiveness?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of core Christian concepts and reveals their grasp of salvation theology.
9How do you pray and what do you pray about?
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How do you pray and what do you pray about?
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Why this works
Reveals their prayer life and shows their personal relationship with God through communication.
10What do you think about the Bible?
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What do you think about the Bible?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of Scripture and reveals their relationship with God's Word.
11What do you think about church and why do you come?
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What do you think about church and why do you come?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of Christian community and shows what they value about worship and fellowship.
12What do you think about helping others and being kind?
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What do you think about helping others and being kind?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of Christian service and reveals their grasp of Christian values and ethics.
13What do you think about heaven and eternal life?
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What do you think about heaven and eternal life?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of Christian hope and shows their grasp of eternal life concepts.
14What do you think about the Holy Spirit?
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What do you think about the Holy Spirit?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of the Trinity and reveals their grasp of the Holy Spirit's role in Christian life.
15What do you think about sharing your faith with others?
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What do you think about sharing your faith with others?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of evangelism and shows their comfort level with sharing their beliefs.
16What do you think about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness?
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What do you think about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of repentance and reveals their grasp of the forgiveness process.
17What do you think about being part of God's family?
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What do you think about being part of God's family?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of Christian community and shows their sense of belonging to the church.
18What do you think about growing in your faith?
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What do you think about growing in your faith?
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Why this works
Shows their understanding of spiritual growth and reveals their commitment to ongoing development.
19What do you think about serving God with your life?
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What do you think about serving God with your life?
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Why this works
Reveals their understanding of Christian service and shows their commitment to living for God.
20What questions do you have about baptism or being a Christian?
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What questions do you have about baptism or being a Christian?
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Why this works
Encourages them to express their concerns and shows their willingness to ask questions about their faith.
Best Practices for Discussing Baptism with Children
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Use Age-Appropriate Language
Adjust your questions and explanations to the child's age and understanding level. Use simple, clear language that they can comprehend.
Listen More Than You Talk
Give children time to express their thoughts and feelings. Don't rush to correct or teach - first understand what they're thinking.
Create a Safe Space
Make sure the child feels comfortable asking questions and expressing doubts. This is a time for exploration, not judgment.
Question Sequences
The Understanding Explorer Sequence
The Faith Foundation Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Pressure for Specific Answers
Avoid leading questions or pressuring children to give the 'right' answers. Let them express their genuine thoughts and feelings.
Avoid Theological Complexity
Don't overwhelm children with complex theological concepts. Focus on their understanding and relationship with God.
Don't Rush the Process
Baptism is a significant decision. Give children time to think, ask questions, and grow in their understanding before proceeding.