The Rev. Julie Tilton (All Saints’ Church, Woodbridge, VA) has created a simplified adaptation of To Be A Christian for baptism training. To Be A Christian was written by a team of Anglican leaders to renew the tradition of catechesis for today’s Christians. You can download a copy of the original here.

Dcn. Julie shares, “This adaptation is also helpful when using To Be A Christian with teens and new believers unfamiliar with the meaning of sin, repent, salvation, for example.” Download her adaptation here along with some instruction (below). Contact Dcn. Julie directly with any questions or for further assistance.

Babies through two/three years old

Parents are given a copy of the adaptation and discuss each of the 21 points. They are encouraged to see themselves as the primary spiritual leaders in their children’s lives and to draw on the language of the adaption throughout the growing years. They are also given information on the history of baptism, including infant baptism. Then they walk through the baptism service in the sanctuary with their children.

Children three/four years old through 7/8 years old

In addition to the parents receiving a copy of the adaptation as above, the children are given the basic ideas and language for salvation and baptism through hands-on object lessons. The children then walk through the baptismal service in the sanctuary. 

Children 8/9 years old and above

In addition to the parents receiving a copy of the adaptation as above, the children are also given a copy and take part in a question/answer discussion of each of the points. Objects are used as appropriate to assist kinesthetic learners. The children then walk through the baptismal service in the sanctuary.

The Rev. Julie Tilton serves as a Deacon at All Saints’ Church, Woodbridge, VA.