“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” – Matthew 19:14.
Baby/children dedication ceremonies are beautiful and spiritual moments in the family life of a church during which parents present their young children to the Lord and devote themselves to raising that child in a godly home with Christian principles and values.
At Abundant Harvest Church, these pre planned ceremonies typically occur during a regular Sunday Morning church service. More than likely, a single child or siblings are being dedicated with the Pastor, child’s family, Godparents, grandparents (or other significant adults) and church family gathered to take part in the ceremony. All who participate agree to join in covenant with the family to encourage, assist, and help equip them in raising their children as believers within the body of Christ.
Scriptural Reference
There are multiple references to the family unit and the need to train up children in “the way they should go” so that “when they are old, they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). And while a specific method is not prescribed, it is clear that raising children who know, and love God is undoubtedly important in the life of Christian parents.
Here are other scriptural references:
- “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him” – Psalm 127:3.
- “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” – Matthew 19:14.
- “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 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 6:6-7.
Additionally, there are other biblical references (stories) that mention the idea of dedicating children such as 1 Samuel 1:11, where Hannah vows to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord, and Luke 2:22, where we see Mary and Joseph at the Temple presenting Jesus to the Lord. These are just a few verses that apply to the dedication of children and verses that may be referenced during the baby dedication ceremony.
Meaning and Reason
There is great meaning in the ceremony to have your baby and or children dedicated to the Lord. It is a memorable and sacred event when viewed as a way to strengthen families and pour into the lives of parents and children. One of the best ways to think of baby dedication is not just as a single event, but the first in a line of events that define our life in Christ. In many ways the dedication of a baby is the start of a family journey with Christ. Children and families are at the heart of the Kingdom of God and the gospel message itself. The story of Jesus began in the family of Joseph and Mary; this young couple had to stand against opposition, community gossip, and grow together spiritually while trusting fully in the promises of God. The home, the family, and the place of children in it are undeniably foundational to the Christian faith. Baby/children dedications, therefore, are not just for the child; they are for the parents, the family, and the Church as a whole. This is the main reason we encourage families to consider a dedication.
Is this a Dedication or a Baptism?
You should be aware that infant baptism and baby dedication are not the same. Both ceremonies involve parents presenting their infant children to the Lord in a church ceremony, but there is a different theological practice and understanding between the two. Generally speaking, most Protestant churches (non-Catholic) practice baby dedication, a prayerful and sacred ceremony, while Catholic, Orthodox, and other similar traditions perform infant baptism ceremonies where infants are ‘christened’ into the faith through the sprinkling or pouring of water. According to Protestant teaching, a baby dedication is not an act of salvation, baptism, or necessarily church membership. It is seen as a symbolic way to present (give) the child to the Lord and make a covenant (promise) to raise the child in a godly home. If you have a home church, typically your pastor will perform the ceremony. There is no water involved, because we believe that salvation and water baptism are events that will come later when the child grows in their own understanding, and accepts Jesus Christ (salvation) personally by making an individual profession of faith.
Why Do Churches Still Do Baby Dedications?
At Abundant Harvest we joyfully recommend and encourage parents to dedicate their children and we view it as an important step in our Christian faith as believers. This beautiful, meaningful and covenant often makes families feel the support and encouragement they need to effectively raise their children in Christ. The ceremony is designed to remind us to guide and pray for one another, and this is one part of doing just that. Just like a Christian wedding ceremony, baby/children dedications are more than just a pretty event, they are the beginning of a covenant relationship with God concerning the rearing of a child. We live in a culture where children, families, and faith itself continue to be under attack, and we must embrace these milestone moments to dedicate ourselves and our children to the Lord. The future of our families and the future of the Church depend on it. Welcoming children into the world is one of our greatest joys and agreeing to engage in their lives and the lives of their parents as the body of Christ is among our greatest honor.
Arranging a Dedication Ceremony
If you would like to arrange a dedication ceremony, you may contact the Pastor or church secretary for more information or fill out a member form, and we will contact you.
