FAMILY RESOURCES

SHARING YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR CHILD

Have you accepted Jesus?
  •  Share your story with your child.
  •  Let your child see your faith in action.
  •  Do you read your bible in front of your child?
  •  Do you pray with your child?
  •  Do they know how important Jesus is in your life?

If you haven't...
The Bible reveals that it was not uncommon for an entire household to trust Christ as their Savior and to be saved on the same day. If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior, or you are not sure if you have, why not settle the question for yourself as well as for your child.

Remember, we are not saved by saying a prayer. We are saved by putting our faith in Christ as our Savior. Prayer is simply a way of expressing our trust in Christ for all He has done for us.

SALVATION

At different times throughout the ministry year we give the Salvation message within the elementary age group.  If you have any questions about talking with your child about his or her Salvation, let us know.  Take a moment to listen to what your children are hearing.

Jesus, God’s Son, came and lived on this earth, died and rose again. God offers His free gift of salvation to all who believe in Jesus and accept Him as their Savior.  This is the only way to be forgiven and reconciled to God. Anyone who accepts this gift is adopted as a son or daughter into God’s family and will live with Him forever in heaven.

COMMUNION

What is Communion?
Communion is a time to be reminded of what Jesus did on the cross for us and honor how He saved us.

"Then Jesus took bread. He gave thanks and broke it. He handed it to them and said, “This is my body. It is given for you. Every time you eat it, do this in memory of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup. He said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. It is poured out for you." Luke 22:19-20 (NIRV)

Why is Communion important?
We partake in Communion to remember and honor that Jesus died for us on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. His body was broken for us and His blood was spilled for us to take away our sins.

Who is Communion for?
Communion isn’t just for adults. Communion is for anyone who has put their trust in Jesus. If your child has accepted Jesus as their Savior, then they can participate too.

Where should Communion be taken?
Along with taking Communion with the church, we suggest taking Communion together as a family. By teaching your children to honor God and remember the sacrifice He made for us, you are helping them develop a deeper relation with Jesus. Partaking in Communion as a family allows you to grow in your faith together.

PARENT DEDICATION

Parent dedication is more than an event. It is an opportunity for you to take some time as a parent to really think about what will matter the most in the life of your child; to really talk together and decide what you value and what you can do today that will have the greatest impact on your child's future.

This event is not infant baptism. We believe that when people are old enough to understand what it means to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they should have the opportunity to make that choice for themselves. This event is about your commitment as a parent to lead your child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, so that as they get older, you are able to guide them and to help them understand what that means.

SPECIAL BUDDY PROGRAM (ANNAPOLIS CAMPUS)

Our program is designed for children with special needs. We believe that all children should have the opportunity to participate in our weekend environments so they can learn, grow and know who Jesus is and develop meaningful relationships with their peers and leaders. Each child with a disability is paired with a buddy who will help the child participate as much as possible in the most appropriate classroom/age group.
Interested in becoming a Special Buddy?
Anyone who is willing to love a child with special needs and help them experience the love of Jesus can be a buddy! Our Special Buddy Coordinator will contact you shortly for an interview. All volunteers are required to have a background check, complete an application including references, and sign our Children’s Ministry Covenant. Training and support are provided.
Does your child need a Special Buddy?
If your child would be blessed by having a buddy, please complete the form below. You will be added to our wait list and our Special Buddy Coordinator will follow up with you soon. We will do our best to pair your child with a Special Buddy, but there is no guarantee as this program is entirely volunteer based.

Have questions? Email us and we will be happy to assist you!

CHILD BAPTISM

Why baptism?
At BACC, we look at baptism as an introduction; a time to get off that bench and play on the field! If you are a follower of Jesus, then you’re in the family of God and you’re already on the team. Baptism is a way of going onto the field of life and expressing God’s love throughout everyday life. We want to celebrate all that God has done in your life, as well as provide the means to publicly express to others that God is great and worthy of our praise and service.

The Bible says that everyone who has trusted Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins and the leadership of their life should be baptized (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38-41). Baptism is an outward action that symbolizes an inward commitment of obedience to Christ and identity with Him.

The method of baptism most consistent with biblical examples is immersion in water (Matthew 3:16, John 3:23, Acts 8:38-39). The word “baptize” (baptizo) means to “dip under water.”

How old is old enough?
Baptism for children in our ministry is available for those in 4th-5th grade. Scripture is very clear that baptism is to be a visible expression to your realm of influence of a personal faith in Christ. Ask yourself these questions about your child considering baptism:

Is there a growing, personal, observable relationship with Jesus? Are they able to clearly communicate their God journey?
 1.  Do they have a sphere of influence in the world? Do they have friends they interact with in the neighborhood? Are they on any teams or in any community clubs? Are they going to parties and sleepovers at friends’ homes?  
 2. Do they have anyone to invite to the baptism event outside of their immediate family and church family?
 3. Do they have a personal desire to express their faith to their sphere of influence – sports teams, classmates, neighborhood kids?

The answer is “Yes, they are old enough,” when they desire to communicate their personal faith to their sphere of influence. The answer is “No, it might be wise for them to wait,” if they cannot yet clearly communicate their faith, do not have a desire to, or if, at this point in their life, they do not yet possess a personal sphere of influence.

Baptism should be:
 -  Understood and memorable – not just a formality or party
 -  Kid initiated – not for parental comfort
 -  Geared toward a sphere of influence – not a family reunion

Still have questions? Email Kristin

Is your child needing help writing their testimony? Click here for a great resource.