First Steps: A parent’s guide to baptism
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A new baby. A new beginning. And for many families that will mean thinking about baptism for the very first time. Assuming nothing about church background, First Steps outlines the meaning of baptism while sketching the basics of Christian faith – it could be the start of the journey of lifetime.
Video download with 10 minute presentation, brief leader’s guide from www.cpas.org.uk/shop/category/16/view/254. Sections are: Introduction to the DVD; Introduction to baptism; What is Christianity?; The baptism service; Summary.
Adults, Enquirers
£10.00
Great. Nicely presented and easy to use.
Clear, to the point, and helpful.
Leader's guide has teeny font, but very easy-to-follow suggestions for discussion in reaction to the video. Questions are loosely based on the progression of the video. Bible passages for leader's ‘prayer and preparation' also included. Around this is material which suggests different uses of the video, plus a variety of follow-up ideas, all couched in terms of encouraging sensitivity, genuine care, and imaginative relationships with baptism enquirers.
Designed for use by both lay and clergy, and easy to use by either. Emphasis on sensitivity to the individuals concerned.
The video is engaging and straight-forward. It explains both the concept of baptism, and the Christian faith, in very clear and acceptable ways – no jargon.
Clear and engaging illustrated presentation of the basic Christian message.
Watch the video and read the leader's guide. Using the suggested biblical material as personal preparation would be well worth giving time to.
N/A
No, but designed for a culture where what is ‘true' is less important than what ‘works', and Western-style assumptions.
Good, open questions are non-threatening with no ‘right' answers.
Good mix of short video sections and thoughtful but clear discussion questions.
Would work with most families who are thinking of baptism for their child, even those who have experience of church. Clear, engaging and to the point. Thanksgiving included as an option. Not designed for adult baptism.
Discussion questions are designed for the leader, or visitor to the family, to work through in a supportive way with them. Creative ideas as to what could be done to build on the relationship, after First Steps.
Leader's preparation all Bible-based. Video presentation based on story of Jesus and why he came.
Bible passages for leader's prayer and preparation are a welcome inclusion in this resource. Great idea.
Clear, honest and engaging explanation of the biblical story of Jesus and the meaning of his life, death and resurrection. Implications of following him illustrated with the concept of journey. Light, clear and firm.
Evangelical.
Baptism explained as turning from one way of life, and seeking to go God's way, with parents leading the way. This is seen as a first step for the child, and a commitment for the parents to bring the child up to follow Jesus.
Non-judgemental explanation as to how baptism is part of the basic Christian message, baby and parents together. Explains the responsibility on parents to give their child ‘ongoing practical and spiritual support', based on turning around and going God's way themselves.
Good and clear introduction to the Christian message, with implications of baptism spelled out. Not too much information – just the right amount to explain and to stimulate discussion. Explanation as to what it means to become and live as a Christian.
Non-cringy and talks normally about commonplace ideas about God, and misconceptions about baptism. Encourages honesty about these and recognises that the parents may have a range of thoughts and emotions, which must be treated seriously.
This is to be used for reaching out to those who have limited contact with the Christian church. It is low-key but honest and should be effective.
Again, this is designed for use in the community, to make connections and build relationships between church and community.
Not a focus.
Not a focus. Targeted for Western-world assumptions.