Child Dedication
Dedication is a church tradition to celebrate and commit a child to God and for God's purposes.
If you have trusted Christ as your Savior, you are invited to dedicate your child to the Lord. Your child does not have to be an infant -- you can participate no matter what your child's age.
Is Dedication The Same as Infant Baptism or Christening?
We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not passed on to a child through dedication. Child dedication is different from infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, it is our practice to dedicate children.
What is Child Dedication?
Child dedication is the act of giving back to God the gift he has given to you. It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust and commitment. The ceremony is an opportunity to make your commitment public before God, your friends and family.
The ceremony also reminds parents to depend on God and His resources, including the church family and friends, to help nurture their children.
Scriptural Basis For Dedicating Children
"Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" Mark 10:14 (NIV).
The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible:
- The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing.
- Hannah brought her long-awaited son, Samuel, to the priest to dedicate him to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:11)
- Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for dedication. (Luke 2:22)
- First, if parents truly wish for their child to one day love and follow God, their lives must be an example. A good time to reflect on parents' personal relationship with Christ.
- Parents are to be committed to Christ in name, in heart and in faith. (If you are not sure how to become a committed Christian, please speak with a small group leader or staff member - any of us would be glad to help you take this important step.)
- Deuteronomy makes clear that the duty of teaching children belongs to parents. Kids Ministry workers can provide biblical instruction, but parents must seize the teachable moments that arise throughout life - in prayer, devotion, reading of Scripture, and service in daily family routines.
- Parents should be involved in the church - either as committed member or as people preparing for membership.
- They should take seriously their responsibility to raise their children with a strong spiritual foundation. They should be committed to having their children in church, and even more importantly, to making God a part of their daily lives. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7; Deuteronomy 6:4-25; Ephesians 6:40)
Now What?
Child Dedication happens every 5th Sunday on Family Worship Sunday.
To apply, please contact the church office or the director of Kids Ministry.
