Baby Dedication
Understanding Baby Dedication
A baby dedication is an exciting moment when parents of a child make a vow to guide their child in their Christian faith and values. This ceremony is a public declaration of parents’ commitment to raise their child under God’s will, seeking His wisdom and protection. It’s a time when the family, together with their church community, pledges to foster an environment that nurtures the child’s spiritual growth.
In Scripture we observe the tradition of dedicating children to the Lord, a practice mirrored in today’s baby dedications. In 1 Samuel 1:11, we see Hannah’s heartfelt vow to dedicate Samuel to God, illustrating a parent’s commitment to entrust their child to the Lord’s guidance. Similarly, Luke 2:22 depicts Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the Temple, fulfilling the law and dedicating Him to God’s purposes.
These biblical precedents underscore baby dedications as a commitment by the parents to raise their child in a Christian home, teaching them the Christian values and beliefs of their faith, with the hope that the child will one day make their own decision to follow Christ and undergo baptism. It is an act of thanksgiving and dedication based on scriptural traditions.
“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.”
“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,” (Jesus Christ)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
What Does Baby Dedication Signify?
1 By dedicating their baby, parents commit to being the primary spiritual leaders, instilling in their child the teachings and love of Jesus Christ.
2 This dedication also signifies the church’s vow to stand alongside the family, offering support, prayer, and guidance, aiding in the child’s Christian faith.
3 This act represents the parents’ prayers for their child to embrace a personal faith in Jesus Christ in due time, marking the beginning of a hopeful Christian life.
When is the Next Baby Dedication?
To register your child for the next baby dedication, email [email protected]
Questions You May Have
In Scripture, we find no explicit practice of infant baptism; rather, it emerges from historical and church tradition. Baptism, alongside the Lord’s Supper, stands as one of the two ordinances given to the church by our Lord Jesus Christ. Both scriptural examples and guidelines are found in the bible.
Baptism is distinctly an act of faith, reserved for those who have entrusted their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ. The Bible consistently portrays baptism as a step taken following an individual’s acceptance of Christ as Savior and Lord. Baptism represents Christ’s death and resurrection, showing our old life and our new life with Him. Infant baptism aims to connect a child to Christianity, but it doesn’t guarantee salvation. Every child needs to personally hear and accept Jesus Christ’s message.
We hold a special ceremony to commit children to Christ, different from baptism, which is for those who openly choose faith. If you have any questions about baptism, we’re here to talk and help you follow Christ’s teachings.
Our main attention is towards children from birth to 18 months, yet we approach each family’s situation uniquely. Adoption at a later stage is common, and we wholeheartedly support families embarking on this new journey.
Absolutely. Supporting your walk with Christ, especially as a single parent managing double the responsibilities, is something we take to heart. Our church aims to be an extension of your family, offering compassionate support, spiritual growth, and diverse ministries to empower you in raising your child in God’s wisdom and love. If you’re considering a dedication service and wish for the involvement of your parents or another family member, we’re open to discussing this with you before the dedication service, ensuring guidance on how they can be a part of this significant moment with you.