At what age (generally speaking) do we start actively teaching salvation to our children? Now, I understand everyone is different, and there is no "thus-says-the-Lord" age, or even an agreed upon age for all children/teens/whatever.

Here's why I ask the question. Our contemporary worship service meets in the fellowship hall of the local Church of the Brethren. As I have stated many times in previous posts, I find the salvation doctrine of the Church of the Brethren to be closer to Biblical standards than many of the "advertised" stands many of the RM congregations take ... the only real differences being that they immerse forwards, three times (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

One of the big differences in application is that they don't begin actively seeking salvation decisions until a person is at least in the general "high school" age bracket, and they don't worry if a person waits a bit longer to make this life-time committment.

Having been involved in youth ministry in the past, I know we hit children around 6th grade or so pretty hard ... my 6th and 7th grade weeks of camp at Lake Aurora in FL always had the highest number/percentage of decisions compared to any of the other weeks of camp. I attribute that to our push in vespers and in the classes, as well as the spiritual maturity of children at that age ... many are wanting to make spiritual decisions, even in 6th grade.

There is a push (due to Calvinist beliefs, I think) to have children make decisions at very young ages. One Bible club I know of (AWANA) pushes the 5 year-olds to make decisions. I know TJ, my youngest son, was told to "ask Jesus into your heart" at one VBS in town last summer ... he was 4 at the time, and you can guess how he responed.

Anyway ... a long post to ask a question -- at what age should be start to actively pursue a young person making this, the most important decision they will every make?

I am beginning to lean AWAY from 6th and 7th grade, and leaning more towards older high schoolers ... or maybe even later if their spiritual development is not what it ought to be.

What do YOU think>

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Answers

At what age (generally speaking) do we start actively teaching salvation to our children?

We started right after birth.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Darrell,

I agree with Duane. I don't think one can teach "Jesus" without teaching salvation along side. To seperate the 2 is a false dichotomy. Sure, youngsters may not understand for years, but they will be exposed to the ideas. And when the time comes, you don't have to come to them about needing salvation - because 1 day everything will click and they'll seek you.

Of course that is best case scenario, but it does work out that way often enough - it did for my kids anyway. It's amazing how a youngster (say 7 or 8) can understand the need to confess, repent, & be baptized while a 50 or 60 yr old can't. Like Jesus said, "unless you become as one of these little ones, you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2001

Okay -- point taken Duane ... and of course I agree. Now, back to the question ... at what age should be start to actively pursue their decision ... generally speaking, of course.

Or, do we just wait and watch, and see where they are as they mature in their understanding?

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

How about putting it this way --

At what age do we start "offering an invitation" to children/teens? Now, I understand the whole conceptof "offering an invitation" at the end of a sermon, or vespers, or ??? is a relatively new thing ... coming out of the last couple of hundred years or so.

re: my 6th and 7th grade weeks of camp ... should an invitation be offered following vespers? If yes, then what about the 4th and 5th grade weeks of camp? And the early primary ... first timers ... day camps ... etc.

I know there are a number of youth ministers and preachers on the forum who work/dean/speak at camps. This is a valid question, and one I am certainly struggling with. I have a week next week with 4th through 6th graders. It is at a Brethren camp. I am allowed to preach the Word as God calls me to do so ... and I'm trying hard to decide how to handle the end of the lessons, vespers, campfires, etc.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Mark -- I agree with your observation re: 7 or 8 year olds -vs- some 50 year olds. I certainly agree. Kathy had a 5 year old in her Sunday school/youth group in Tampa that she and I are convinced was one of the most spiritually minded people I have ever met. No, she was not a child progidy, but her "connection" to God in her prayers, and just by talking to here was nothing short of amazing.

This might cross over with the thread on being immersed without knowing the reason(s) why. I know most children can state the need for baptism, et. al., but to what degree do they understand what they are saying/doing? I don't want to cross too far into that other thread but it helps a bit to think on these things.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2001

Darrell,

Speaking from personal experience alone, I know 8 is an appropriate age - in some cases. I was baptized at 8 years and my youngest was as well.

I'll discount my own and focus on Kevin. I Never pushed him or even asked him if he wanted to be Baptized. The power of suggestion is very strong in kids, and just the mere mention of something can sway them into something - whether they understand or not. He knew (from listening in Sunday School and in sermon) that baptism was available, but I waited until he came & asked me about baptism. Then I asked him why he wanted it. On his first approach, his answers were vague and unsure - so I told him to hold off. 3 or 4 months later, he asked again and when I asked why - he knew "why" as good as any adult I knew.....no hesitation in his answers at all. It was time then as I felt I would have been hendering the Holy Spirit at that point & putting both him & myself at risk. He went down front and practically demanded to be baptized (Danny will remember that instance I'm sure).

The same could happen in a 15 yr old or a 5 yr old - you really can't put a hard line age on the topic; too much depends on their personal situations. I have to figure that if you teach what was spoken in the above posts and let them know that water is always available - if they are of a spiritual mind they will seek Christ in the way they are taught, either through their preachers, teachers, and parents.

Parents may be the key you need to exercise. If possible, talk to them & get their vibes on their kids maturity & spirituality. Combine that info with what you observe in them and go from there.

One final thought on that issue: if a child does decide to be baptized - make sure the parents are informed, whether or not they attend your church. In today's society, you can get into serious legal problems when dealing with minors outside of the parent's knowledge and will.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

I can agree with Mark, having a very similiar experience with our 8 year-old son. I have also baptized a few others at that young age. Although all of these kids were in a very strong Christian home and have been in church 9 monthes before they were born:)... they had been learning for a long time and were very mature.

As far as camp... I have heard of many comments about how baptism is pushed so hard and all the kids do it because it is the "right" thing to do.

Two years ago I served at camp with 4th and 5th graders... we offered an invitaion, took names of the kids and home church and contacted the preacher at their home church to do a follow up. I have not heard of the outcome since I moved out of the state.

-- Anonymous, July 25, 2001

Marc,

In a camp-type situation with youngsters - I think you handled that situation appropriately. In that type of situation, one really cannot develop an accurate picture of "how far along" the child might be. An optional method might be to call the child's parents and/or Preacher to inform them & ask their opinion (or even seek parental permission) & then baptize them the next day if all involved agree.

And you're also absolutely right about a child's church background being an important factor in the timing of their decision. One growing up in the church is liable to respond to the most vague or gentle invitation and seek baptism at almost any age, while one who did not come into church until their early teens may take 10+ years to respond.

In fact, the best answer to Darrell's original question may best be found in those children's backgrounds. You can expect more from those to whom much has been given (teaching in church), but you shouldn't be expecting (or pressing for) quick decisions from those who are new at the "church-thing" - such would be fruitful for no one.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

A recent relevant statistic from Pollster....George Barna.....

If a child has not been introduced to Jesus by the time he or she is 14, there is only a 4 percent chance that such conversion will happen between ages 14 & 18, and only a six percent chance that it will occur in the remainder of life.

As James Dobson recently said...."It comes down to one indesputable fact: The family is critical to the propagation of the faith."

What bearing does that have on your thoughts Darrell??

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001