CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES - DEDICATING CHILDREN TO THE LORD 

What is Child (or Baby) Dedication?

Dedication is a formal Christian ceremony whereby Christian parents (or parent):

  • Publicly acknowledge:
       children are gifts from the Lord,
       children are entrusted to parents for the Lord, and
       they are stewards accountable before the Lord for their child.

  • Formally and intentionally present their child to the Lord for His purposes and His glory.

  • Publicly commit themselves to fully follow the Lord and teach their children God's ways and how to follow Him.

What does the Bible say about dedicating children?

Dedicating a baby or child is not specifically commanded in the Bible; however, we do have an example to follow in 1 Samuel 1:27-28. After Hannah's son, Samuel, was born, she took her baby to the temple before the priest and declared: "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord..."

Another example is given to us in Luke 2:22: "When the time of their purification according to the
Law of Moses had been completed. Joseph and Mary took Him {Jesus} to Jerusalem to present
Him {Jesus} to the Lord ..."

It is vitally important to remember that the act of dedication does not produce a faith relationship with Christ that saves the child (or baby). This does not happen until the child personally responds to the gracious salvation from God. Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."

A child cannot be saved by means of a ceremony.

Likewise, it is notably crucial to pray for your baby's (child's) salvation and commit yourself to being a godly influence every day.

Details about your child's dedication:

Parents are asked to submit two digital photos of their baby or child which will be shown on the screens in our Sanctuary to introduce the child and family to our church family.

At the appointed time, parents will be called to the front of the Sanctuary with their children.
After introducing each set of parents and their children, the Pastor will then explain the Child Dedication ceremony. He will ask the parents a brief series of questions regarding their commitment to the Lord
and to the privilege of helping their child learn to follow the Lord.
The parents will then sincerely respond: "I will."
Following the affirmations, the Pastor will then dedicate the children to the Lord by praying for them.  

Are there certain dates for Child Dedications?
Yes, they will take place on certain Sundays throughout the year during our Sunday morning worship services. 

Can you dedicate more than one of your children at one time? 
Yes!

Is there an age limit for Child Dedication?
No; however, we recommend children be dedicated as soon as possible and during the first few years of their lives.

Can grandparents and other children stand with you during the ceremony?
Yes.

Are you interested in dedicating your child to the Lord?
Please contact Robin or complete the following form: