New class prepares preteens for baptism
- Preteen Pastor Joe Harms answers students' questions about the meaning and method of baptism.
A new class is helping Stonebriar preteens prepare for baptism. Led by Preteen Pastor Joe Harms, the class helps fifth- and sixth-graders who have trusted in Christ understand the meaning and process of baptism.
On the first night of class, four girls and three boys listened intently as Joe described baptism as an ordinance.
“Like the Lord’s Supper, it is something that Christ has told us to continue doing, but it is not required for salvation,” Joe said.
One goal is to help preteens make wise decisions about baptism. “Some people have believed in Christ but aren’t ready for baptism yet,” Joe told the class. “That’s okay. You may decide after this class that you’re not ready. That’s okay, too.
“I want to help you avoid the kind of baptism I had,” he continued. “I trusted in Christ when I was young and was kind of forced into baptism. I don’t remember anyone explaining what it meant. It was rather confusing and uncomfortable.”
The students then shared their personal stories, which varied widely. One boy came to faith in Christ through Stonebriar’s summer baseball camp. One girl believed in Jesus despite opposition at school.
- Sandra Joshua and her mother, Beulah, are preparing for baptism through classes offered at Stonebriar. Spring baptism classes are scheduled for April.
Eleven-year-old Sandra Joshua also had trusted in Christ as her Savior. She was preparing for baptism with her mother and older brother, who were participating in the adult baptism class.
Sandra’s parents, Joshua James and Beulah Joshua, moved their family to the United States from India in 1999. Although Beulah was a third-generation Christian, she didn’t understand grace until her brother and cousin began sharing with her.
The family has attended Stonebriar since 2002, and now Beulah, her 12-year-old son, Meshach, and Sandra are preparing for baptism together.
Stonebriar offers baptism classes for all ages throughout the year. The next preteen class begins April 24, and a class for children (fourth-graders and younger) begins April 17. The next class for youth and adults (seventh-graders and older) is April 22.
For more information on children’s and preteen baptism classes, call 469-252-5245 or send an e-mail to ConnieBStonebriarorg. For information on the class for adults and youth, call 469-252-5380 or send an e-mail to TeriCStonebriarorg.