Not Many Wise

What is Christian baptism? RE resources

1. Teacher’s background information.

Some people believe that baptism is baptising a young baby and then later there can be a Confirmation Service to ‘confirm’ the promises that were given at baptism.

Others believe that baptism should only be done when a person turns to God and believes in Jesus, Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples said:

“Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38 NIV

2. Lesson plans and resources for: What is Christian Baptism?

NEW May 2023 What are Baptism and Confirmation? Free Lesson Plan is a PowerPoint presentation (Opens in a new tab on www.slideshare.net) viewable or downloadable for teachers who can use electronic equipment in the classroom.

Updated April 2022. What is Christian Baptism lesson plan

Baptism worksheet

3. A free children’s song about Christian baptism.

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Here is a song explaining about believing and being baptised in water by total immersion.
‘Baptism – God’s Story’ by Crossroads Kids’ Club.

4. How to fulfil the locally agreed syllabus for ‘What is Christian baptism?’

Hopefully you will be able to match your local agreed syllabus with what is here which satisfies eight councils:

These lesson plans are based on the Progression Documents of The Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education’ Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Peterborough, Rutland County Councils. This is in the light blue text.
The green text is from other Councils: Lewisham Borough, West Sussex, Hull and East Riding.
Here are the main aims for the lesson plan:

  • Know that there is variety in Christianity by visiting at least two different churches and explore / compare their different structures and discover how these can reflect distinct practices and beliefs (e.g. font or baptismal tank).
  • Personal life – baptism, confirmation etc.
  • What does it mean to belong? – Who am I?
  • Identify and evaluate some religious and cultural differences between religions with the aim of promoting mutual respect and interfaith dialogue.

Key vocabulary: Baptism, Bible, Christ, Church, Disciple, Easter, Faith, God, Gospel, Holy, Jesus, New Testament.