The Bible does not give an exact age for when children should be baptized or allowed to take communion, but it does provide some principles that can guide parents and church leaders in making this decision.
Understanding Baptism
In the Bible, baptism is closely tied to conversion, repentance and faith. When Jesus gave the Great Commission, he commanded his followers to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Peter exhorted the crowds at Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). These and other passages indicate that baptism is meant for those who have consciously placed their faith in Jesus.
Some key considerations about baptism include:
- It is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow Jesus (1 Peter 3:21).
- It publically identifies the person with the name of Jesus and the community of believers (Acts 2:41).
- It marks entrance into the new covenant in Christ (Colossians 2:11-12).
- It symbolizes the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16).
For these reasons, most Christian traditions believe baptism is only appropriately administered to those who consciously understand and have professed faith in Christ.
Understanding Communion
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night before his crucifixion (Luke 22:19-20). He told his disciples to participate in the meal in remembrance of him and his sacrifice on the cross.
Some key considerations about communion include:
- It is a commemoration of Christ’s death and a proclamation of his return (1 Corinthians 11:26).
- It is an act of obedience to Jesus’ command (Luke 22:19).
- It expresses the fellowship and unity of believers with one another (1 Corinthians 10:17).
- It examines the state of a person’s relationship with God (1 Corinthians 11:27-32).
With the solemn meaning behind communion, Christians have traditionally emphasized the importance of taking it in a worthy manner, after self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).
Biblical Examples Related to Children
The Bible does not provide explicit teaching about baptizing children or allowing them to take communion. However, looking at the contexts where children do appear can provide some principles to consider:
- Children can profess faith. Jesus said to let the little children come to him, “for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14).
- Children can receive the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15).
- Children can grasp theological truths. Jesus was impressed with the 12-year-old’s understanding in the temple (Luke 2:46-47).
- Children can be considered believers. Paul’s reference to Timothy’s sincere faith points to his being a believer from childhood (2 Timothy 1:5).
- Households, which may have included children, were baptized together (Acts 16:15, Acts 16:33).
So while the Bible does not provide a minimum “age of accountability”, it does show that children can exercise faith and may have done so in some of the baptism accounts.
Factors to Consider
In light of the biblical principles and examples, some factors for parents and church leaders to consider include:
- Individual discretion – Each child matures differently, so flexibility and wisdom are needed in discerning proper timing.
- Parental guidance – Parents have the primary responsibility for their child’s spiritual development and can assess their maturity.
- Credible profession of faith – The child should express genuine trust in Christ for salvation and interest in following him.
- Sufficient understanding – The child should be instructed on the meaning of baptism and communion and affirm this understanding.
- Church oversight – Elders can play an important role in evaluating the child’s readiness based on observation.
- Motivations – Parents and children should have godly motivations, not just cultural expectations.
- Timing factors – Baptism is often done at the onset of faith, while ongoing maturity is needed for communion.
There are good reasons why parents may want to wait for more maturity before allowing their child to be baptized or take communion. At the same time, there is no biblical reason to refuse baptism or communion to a child who has genuinely placed his/her trust in Christ and meets the basic qualifications.
Different Denominational Perspectives
Within Christianity, beliefs and practices vary regarding the timing of baptism and communion for children:
- Roman Catholicism – Infant baptism is the norm and first communion is around 7 years old after catechism classes.
- Eastern Orthodoxy – Infant baptism is standard and first communion is often given right after baptism.
- Lutheranism – Infant baptism is typical and first communion is around 12 years old after confirmation classes.
- Methodism – Infant baptism and allowing children to partake in communion are both acceptable.
- Presbyterianism – Infant baptism is common and first communion is during the teenage years after communicant classes.
- Anglicanism – Infant baptism is usual and children can take communion once they have been confirmed, often preteen ages.
- Baptist – Believer’s baptism so children are baptized after professing faith. Taking communion is also connected to baptism and profession of faith.
While practices differ, most traditional Christian churches make allowance for child participation either through infant baptism, communion at younger ages, or instructions preparing children for these rites after professing faith. Parents should thoughtfully examine the practices and teachings of their local church.
Guidelines for Parents
When considering your child’s participation in baptism and communion, here are some guidelines for parents:
- Set an example – Make sure you model sincere faith and are regularly partaking in communion.
- Instruct your child – Teach them gospel truths starting early and explain the meaning of baptism/communion.
- Assess their faith – Look for evidence of genuine repentance, belief and commitment to following Christ.
- Don’t force it – Allow them to express interest and initiate before moving forward.
- Consider their maturity – Evaluate their capacity to remember their baptism and partake in communion worthily.
- Talk with church leaders – Seek input from pastors/elders who can provide guidance and oversight.
- Remain involved – After baptism/communion, keep nurturing their spiritual growth to maturity.
The decision requires much prayer, wisdom and discernment. But the rewards of seeing your child publicly identify with Christ and join in His supper are well worth all the effort.
Preparing a Child for Baptism and Communion
When a child does exhibit signs of saving faith, here are some ways to help prepare them:
- Teach the gospel – Clearly explain concepts like sin, repentance, the cross and resurrection.
- Study baptism’s meaning – Describe baptism as an act of obedience and testimony of their faith.
- Learn about communion – Explain how it remembers Jesus’ death and looks forward to His return.
- Address expectations – Correct misunderstandings and emphasize baptism doesn’t save them.
- Share your story – Talk about when you were baptized/took communion and what it meant to you.
- Read scriptures – Use passages about baptism and communion to reinforce key truths.
- Attend classes – Take advantage of children’s classes offered at some churches.
- Meet with leaders – Setup a conversation with pastors or elders to evaluate readiness.
- Make it personal – Have them explain in their own words the meaning and why they want to take these steps.
Laying this foundation of understanding equips children to appreciate the profound significance of these practices.
Explaining it in an Age-Appropriate Way
When preparing children for baptism and communion, how the information is presented should be adapted to match their level of development:
- Ages 5-7 – Focus on simple explanations of God’s love shown through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
- Ages 8-10 – Begin discussing sin, forgiveness, and the symbols of washing (baptism) and eating (communion).
- Ages 11-13 – Provide more detailed definitions of repentance, redemption, and remembering Christ through these acts.
- Ages 14+ – Teach thoroughly about the covenant meaning, historical backgrounds, modes, and doctrinal implications.
Lessons should be interactive, using stories, illustrations, multimedia, and hands-on activities. Make it practical by describing what baptism and communion will be like and what they will say and do.
While full theological comprehension isn’t required, children about to be baptized should grasp basics like: “I’m being baptized because I believe Jesus died to forgive my sins and rose again” and “In taking communion I’m remembering how Jesus gave His body and blood to save me.”
Celebrating and Remembering a Child’s Baptism
Once a child has been baptized, parents can continue to nurture their spiritual growth by:
- Taking photos/videos and looking back on them together.
- Writing about their baptism experience in a journal.
- Letting them share about their baptism with relatives and friends.
- Giving them a study Bible or devotional book to read.
- Hanging up in their room the certificate they received.
- Serving a special meal or dessert on each baptism anniversary.
- Lighting a candle and reading the baptism passage together.
- Looking at any baptism photos or mementos you may have.
Occasionally reminiscing about this milestone reinforces your child’s identity in Christ and commitment to following Him all their days.
Ongoing Nurture after Baptism and Communion
Some tips for nurturing your child’s spiritual growth after baptism and communion include:
- Read the Bible together regularly.
- Pray together before meals, bedtime, etc.
- Discuss bible stories and lessons learned.
- Include Christian practices in daily routines.
- Find mentors and role models for them.
- Look for opportunities to serve others together.
- Participate consistently in church activities.
- Share Christ naturally in everyday conversations.
While allowing them to attend communion services, periodically assess their attitude and understanding. Make sure they retain a grasp of its spiritual significance.
Baptism and first communion are exciting milestones, but they are just early steps in a lifelong journey of faith. Much work remains for parents to establish children in the grace of Christ.
