Child Dedication is…
An opportunity for parents of young children to thank God for the gift of a child.
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. - Psalm 127:3A chance to publicly declare your intention to raise your child in a Christian home.
Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. - Luke 2:22A family commitment to guide your children into a growing relationship with Christ.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4A family commitment as parents to abide by biblical principles and raise your child according to God's standards.
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Child Dedication does not include baptism. We believe that baptism is meant to take place publicly when a person is old enough to make the personal decision to follow Christ. As parents, we cannot decide our child's salvation for them. Each person must make their own decision. We can, however, lay a foundation of teaching and example that helps the child be ready to make that decision when the time comes.