Mecklenburg Community Church

One of the most frequently asked questions when someone becomes a Christian and gets baptized is, "what's next?"

In MecKidz, when a child is ready to get baptized, we have a class and a celebration to help them understand the decision they’ve made to follow Jesus. The reason? Because Jesus asked us to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

What's Next?

Baptism is a foundational step in a person’s spiritual journey. Often, one of the first. But one of the questions frequently asked after baptism is: “What’s next?”

People understand becoming a Christ follower, and even getting baptized, is just the beginning of a long relationship. But, many Christians don’t know how to grow and deepen their relationship with Jesus.

They get baptized and wonder... What’s next?

Thankfully, Jesus tells us exactly what we should do. He said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is followed by the second greatest commandment: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

If your child is a follower of Jesus, and wondering “What’s next?” teach them how to love God with all that they are and love others selflessly!

How to Love God

1. Encourage a Quiet Time!

When we meet a new friend, we get to know them better by spending time with them. It’s no different with God. The more time we spend with God, the better we know Him and the more we fall in love with Him.

What does a Quiet Time look like?

It looks like spending time with a friend, except that friend is God! Just like hanging out with a friend, a quiet time with God doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Start short and simple.

2. Read the Bible!

The Bible is God’s letter to us. It is one of the main ways God speaks to us. So, learning the Bible is like “listening” to your friend, God. The Bible tells us everything we need to know about God’s love and His incredible plan for our lives.

Here are some great Bible resources we recommend for kids and families:

The Grounds Bookstore and Café for Bible Devotionals for Kids
Not Consumed for Bible Studies
MecKidz Elementary weekly Kids Home Guide

3. Take time to Pray!

Prayer is talking with God by sharing your feelings and concerns, and giving silence for him to speak back to you. It’s thanking Him for all the wonderful things in our lives and asking for help with we need help. Just like you should talk to your friends to show that you love them, you should talk to God too!

Here are some great prayer resources we recommend for kids and families:

MecKidz Blog post: Prayer is the Greatest Gift
Prayers to Share
MecKidz Elementary weekly Kids Home Guide
Five Finger Prayer

4. Start Journaling!

Writing things down can help articulate thoughts, feelings and prayers helping you connect with God in a personal way! It’s like sending a text, email or letter to God. When kids write down their thoughts and feelings about God, they get a deeper understanding of what the Bible is saying and begin moving the head knowledge to the heart.

Here are some great journaling resources we recommend for kids and families:

My God Says Life Journal
The Doodle Journal for Kids (available in The Grounds)
Write the Words for Kids
MecKidz Elementary weekly Kids Home Guide

5. Express Yourself Through Art!

Like journaling, art is a powerful tool to help kids express themselves and process their thoughts and emotions about God and His plan for them. This is almost like “playing” with God; spending time doing something you enjoy, but with your friend, God. Best of all, God created art and it is a wonderful way to worship and communicate with God in a creative way especially for those kids who struggle with writing.

Here are some great artistic resources we recommend for kids and families:

The Doodle Journal for Kids (available in The Grounds)
I will Trust You Art Journal
Write the Words for Kids
MecKidz Elementary weekly Kids Home Guide
You're God's Girl! Coloring Book (God's Girl Coloring Books for Tweens)

To love God is only the first half of the commandment given to us from Jesus. Check out some of Meckidz’s other blog posts and resources to learn more about how we can love others like Jesus did!