A baby dedication is a special ceremony where parents publicly commit to raising their child according to God’s Word and ways. It is a celebration of new life and a recognition that children are a sacred gift from God.
What Baby Dedication Means
A Parent’s Commitment: Parents vow to provide a God-honoring home, modeling faith through their words, actions, and lifestyle.
The Church’s Support: The congregation also makes a commitment to come alongside the family, offering prayer, support, and a community of faith to help the child grow to know Jesus.
A Public Dedication: It is a “line-in-the-sand” moment for families to declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.
Not Baptism: Unlike infant baptism in some traditions, dedication is not a saving ritual. It is a voluntary act of gratitude, setting the stage for the child to one day make their own personal decision to follow Christ.
Biblical Foundation
The practice is rooted in several scriptural examples:
1 Samuel 1:27-28: Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord in gratitude.
Luke 2:22: Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the temple.
Proverbs 22:6: The call to “train up a child in the way he should go”.
Matthew 19:13-14: Jesus welcomed and blessed the little children.
Why Participate?
Dedicating your child is a powerful step in establishing a foundation of faith. It provides accountability, encourages intentional spiritual training, and connects your family to a supportive church community dedicated to your child’s spiritual development.