You’re preparing to speak at a baptism, and you’re thrilled to support this person on their special day. At the same time, you’re probably wondering how to articulate a message that’s simple enough for a newly baptized member yet profound enough to articulate the power of this sacred covenant. Worry not; we’ve got you covered.
Ben Knowlton, a former Church Educational System teacher and Brigham Young University religion professor, shared some ideas with LDS Living on how to give a baptism talk that will engage listeners while also teaching clearly about the most important principles.
1. Use a Fun Acronym (and Candy)
Ben suggests using a simple object lesson to introduce the baptismal covenants: hand out KitKat candy bars.
“‘K, A, T’ in ‘Kat’ represent the elements of the baptismal covenants,” he explains. “‘K’ stands for ‘Keep the commandments,’ ‘A’ stands for ‘Always remember him,’ and ‘T’ stands for ‘Take upon yourselves His name’ [see Moroni 4:3].
“Then, [everyone gets] a piece of candy they can carry home with them.”
2. Focus on Their Covenant Connection with Christ
Ben chooses not to emphasize the remission of sins at the baptism of a child since children under eight years old are already considered clean. Instead, he focuses on the special significance of entering a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.
“I like to explain that [baptism] is like a handshake of your commitment to follow Jesus,” he says. “I think that’s probably the more important element of that covenant—your commitment to try to be like Him, to take upon yourself His name.”
Ben adds that it’s a good idea to point out that Christ’s side of the covenant is just as important as ours:
“We tend to emphasize a lot of our end of the covenant, but really, it’s a covenant relationship with [Christ],” he says. “He’s going to be by your side. He’s a companion. He’s a partner. Because you’re entering this covenant, you won’t be alone. You’re going to have someone who’s in this relationship with you by duty, by obligation, by love.”
3. Teach What It Means to Follow in Christ’s Footsteps
Ben has found another object lesson especially helpful in explaining what it means to take Christ’s name upon us—and it involves lots of footwear.
“I take a whole mess of shoes with me, and I talk about how we want to try to follow in the Lord’s footsteps,” he says. “I’ll hold up a pair of church shoes and say that we don’t want to follow Jesus just on Sunday when we go to church; we also want to follow Jesus when we’re at the beach. Then, I’ll hold up some sandals or flip-flops.
“I’ll hold up soccer cleats, boots, school shoes, and explain that, everywhere you go, whatever shoes you put on, realize that you’re stepping into the footsteps of our Savior and trying to be like Him.”
4. Celebrate Joining a Beautiful Community
When someone is confirmed, they not only receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, but they also become an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“You can explain that, through being confirmed, they are officially entering into a really beautiful community,” Ben says.
In your talk, consider providing examples of ways that Church members care for and serve each other. Remind the person being baptized that they are being welcomed into a ward family who will love and support them every step of the way.
For more resources to prepare someone for baptism, check out the articles below:
▶ 1 word we overuse when teaching about the Holy Ghost
▶ 30+ meaningful baptism gift ideas for kids
▶ 3 ways to help children feel sacrament meeting is for them—not just Mom and Dad
