Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalm 127
1. What is a Baby dedication?
Jesus…said to them, let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14
God is the one who gives children, they belong to Him. God has the right to do with these children as He wishes. Therefore, Hannah says of baby Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:28: ‘So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the LORD.’
A dedication does not bring about the salvation of the child and it isn’t baptism. Instead, it is a set of solemn promises by the parents in the presence of the church, and an expression of faith and hope in God’s future grace.
2. Here are 3 questions you will be asked by an elder based upon these scriptures:
1. Do you today recognise your children as gifts of God and give thanks for God’s blessing?
2. Do you pledge as parents that, with God’s fatherly help, you will bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, doing all you can to build the Word of God, the character of Christ and the joy of the Lord into their lives?
3. Do you promise to provide, through God’s blessing, for their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs, looking to your own heavenly Father for love, strength and provision?
After these questions have been asked, the elder will then reinstate the congregations role in this asking: It takes a village to raise a child, so we ask, will you to help these parents to live up to their promises?
Then an elder will pray over each child being dedicated, something similar to this:
Together with your parents, who love you dearly, and with this people who also love you and care about the outcome of your faith, I dedicate you to God, surrendering together with them all worldly claims upon your life, in the hope that you will belong wholly to God by His grace forever.
Please complete the below form when you have read the above.
