Comments on: Autism and Baptism http://childrensministryonline.com/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:29:58 -0500 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jabberfrog http://childrensministryonline.com/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-356 Jabberfrog Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:29:03 +0000 http://childrensministryonline.com/blog/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/#comment-356 I agree with Mark, JC and Brenna. It all boils down to their relationship with Jesus and their desire to follow Him. If the child has a relationship with Jesus and shows signs of pursuing that relationship independent of mom or dad, then baptism is appropriate. Actions that define that pursuit will vary based upon the individual... special needs or not. Do they understand all of it? Who does? I agree with Mark, JC and Brenna. It all boils down to their relationship with Jesus and their desire to follow Him. If the child has a relationship with Jesus and shows signs of pursuing that relationship independent of mom or dad, then baptism is appropriate. Actions that define that pursuit will vary based upon the individual… special needs or not. Do they understand all of it? Who does?

]]> By: Mark Cianciosa http://childrensministryonline.com/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-357 Mark Cianciosa Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:58:18 +0000 http://childrensministryonline.com/blog/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/#comment-357 I really like what Heather said. Special needs kids have accepted Christ and been baptized in our church. I think that with the special needs kids we just take more time to speak with the kids and the families before they are baptized. I have a son that is special needs (autism and cp) and we have found over the years that we need to have several different conversations with him on significant issues and then ask the same questions several different ways. I really like what Heather said. Special needs kids have accepted Christ and been baptized in our church. I think that with the special needs kids we just take more time to speak with the kids and the families before they are baptized. I have a son that is special needs (autism and cp) and we have found over the years that we need to have several different conversations with him on significant issues and then ask the same questions several different ways.

]]> By: Brenna http://childrensministryonline.com/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-355 Brenna Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:50:28 +0000 http://childrensministryonline.com/blog/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/#comment-355 I would spend time building a deep relationship with the child and with the family and that relationship will lead to trust and he will be able to talk one-on-one to me and I'll know his heart and understanding of faith and baptism. That wouldn't be one of those conversion experiences that happen overnight or because of many children being baptized at once, although I would let him observe baptism so he can see what is involved. God bless you in your mentoring relationship with this child and his family. I would spend time building a deep relationship with the child and with the family and that relationship will lead to trust and he will be able to talk one-on-one to me and I’ll know his heart and understanding of faith and baptism. That wouldn’t be one of those conversion experiences that happen overnight or because of many children being baptized at once, although I would let him observe baptism so he can see what is involved.
God bless you in your mentoring relationship with this child and his family.

]]> By: jonathan http://childrensministryonline.com/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/comment-page-1/#comment-354 jonathan Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:50:11 +0000 http://childrensministryonline.com/blog/fresh-ideas/autism-and-baptism/#comment-354 I'd only do it if the kid has a desire to be baptized. Even if he didn't 'fully understand' I would want that kid to WANT to be baptized. I don't think I could do it if the parents just wanted to see their kid dunked under water so they could feel good about themselves... And I sound like a terrible person... I’d only do it if the kid has a desire to be baptized. Even if he didn’t ‘fully understand’ I would want that kid to WANT to be baptized. I don’t think I could do it if the parents just wanted to see their kid dunked under water so they could feel good about themselves…

And I sound like a terrible person…

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