Baptism and a Member’s Responsibility

One of the ongoing benefits of NLMC membership is our participation in the life of a child after an infant has been baptized. What a privilege it is to stand up and give positive affirmation that we will help the parents in nurturing the child. Christian nurture, therefore, isn’t purely placed upon the parents. Although they are first in line when it comes to responsibility, helping a child grow in faith is part of the life of the covenant community to which we belong. We should never forget this.

I couldn’t help but think about the service of our children’s teachers when we saw the baptism today. The BCO asks this, which PJ reads every time:

“Do you as a congregation undertake the responsibility of assisting the parents in the Christian nurture of this child?” (p. 84)

Our answer as members is always “Yes.” Well, is it?

A Deacon’s nudge:

If you want to get your hands dirty and fulfill this promise that you’ve probably made many times now, Sunday School teaching is a great way to go. The amount of Christian nurture promises we are making these days are definitely increasing with our church’s baby boom.

If teaching isn’t your thing, then at least be mindful in how you can best make good of your promise.