Child Dedication
The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God and that parents are to raise up their children to love God, His Word, and His people. This site was created to answer your questions about child dedication and to give Christian parents a clear path to have their children dedicated.
What is the purpose of child dedication?
The purpose of child dedication is to present a child to the larger community of believers as a sign of commitment:
1. By the parents to bring up this child in the way of the Lord (Prov. 2:20; 4:11; 22:6) and to love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind (Deut. 6:5).
2. By the church community to encourage, support, and participate (1 Thess. 5:11; Titus 2; 1 Tim. 5:1; Eph. 4:4-6) in bringing up the child to know Christ (Eph. 3:14-21) and be complete in Him (Col. 1:28).
Child dedication upholds in a special way the Bible’s many commands to parents and the church community to raise up children of Christian parents in a way that pleases the Lord.
Some Common Questions About Child Dedication
Q. Do I have to be a member of the Village Church to have my child dedicated?
A. Yes. Child dedication is not just about the parents, but the entire church. If you are not an active member, then it is difficult for the church to participate in the discipleship of your child on the level needed.
Q. What is the age limit for dedication?
A. A child is too old to be dedicated if they are old enough to be baptized. If your child clearly understands the gospel & has trusted in Christ for salvation, then dedication is unnecessary.
Q. Is there anything supernatural about child dedication?
A. No. Child dedication is simply that, a dedication.
Q. How is Child Dedication different than baptism?
A.
1. Child dedication does not use water.
2. Child dedication is not directly commanded or found in Scripture.
3. One does not need to be a believer to be dedicated. All believing children would be baptized.
Your Commitment as Parents
Dedication means that by word and example, you as parents promise to teach your child the amazing gospel of God’s grace. Our homes are to be Christ-centered homes that preach and live out the Gospel. Second, you as parents promitse to teach your children to live a holy life and to value the good gifts God has given us. You promise to give your child every opportunity and encouragement to develop into the well-rounded Christian individual God intends him or her to be.
Dedication before God and the Church means that you as parents realize that the Church should share in the spiritual growth of your family. They should know you and your child so they can give prayer support, assist in Bible teaching, and provide opportunities through which you and your child can enter into the fullness of Christian faith.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
For more information regarding child dedication, contact our church office at .
