Ready to take the next step in your child's faith?
Parents who desire to bless their children and raise their children up in the faith.
What is Dedication?
In the story of Hannah and Samuel, 1 Samuel 1:24-28, we see the practice of dedicating the lives of children to serve the Lord. Dedication is the commitment by the parents to raise their children in a Godly household (Proverbs 22:6, Luke 2:22). Parents are communicating to the world what their intention is with this Child and whose child this is (this is God’s child).
How is Dedication Different From Baptism?
We get baptized to: Outwardly profess our repentance of sin, to follow Christ example, to encounter God (Matthew 3:11-17), out of obedience to the commands of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20), to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:36-41), and to be unified with the Church (Ephesians 4:4-6). Baptism is for any person who has accepted Christ, regardless of age. There is no age requirement placed upon an individual or direct scriptural teaching against any age group, therefore, allowing for infants and adults (“believer baptism”) to be baptized. For infants there is infant baptism, a sacrament, and infant dedication, a practice of the church developed in relation to believer baptism. Infant baptism emphasizes what God has already done for us through Jesus Christ, not on our response. Child dedication is for parents who want God’s blessing on their child yet desire to for their children to make a conscious choice in their faith regarding baptism.
What happens at a Dedication?
Dedication happens during the normal worship service usually towards the end. Wear your normal clothes. We encourage you to invite friends or family members to celebrate this wonderful decision. During the service the pastor will invite the family up. At that time if you have relatives or friends whom you would like to come up, they are welcome to. The pastor will share about Dedication, present the child before the congregation, and then pray over the child and family. Afterwards we will celebrate this decision as a body of believers. Praise God!
What is the process for getting my Child Dedicated?
Super Simple! Fill out a Next Steps Card and we will setup a meeting with your family. We can’t wait to celebrate and connect with you!