What is baby dedication?

Where does the act of baby dedication come from?

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him, so now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." And he worshiped the Lord there.
1 Samuel 1:27-28
The roots of this ceremony go back several thousand years to a moment when a Jewish woman named Hannah was unable to conceive. She cried out to the Lord for a child, and when God answered her prayers, she responded by dedicating her child to God's purpose.
Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, had a moment of dedication when elders of faith - named Simeon and Anna - pronounced a blessing over Jesus, then went on to prophesy what He would go on and do.

What  baby dedication looks like today?

"And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him."
Luke 2:40
During a dedication service, parents present their child to God as an act of thanksgiving. The family worships God alongside spiritual leaders who bless and pray over their child.
At that time, the Holy Spirit may speak prophetically about the child's future. The parents and their child then begin their journey together confident that they are walking under the full blessing of God.

What happens during a dedication service?

At some point, within our Sunday morning service, parents of children being dedicated will be asked to come to the front.  Our pastor will then give a brief description of the meaning and purpose of the dedication ceremony. During the ceremony, he will ask the parents the following questions of commitment:

  • Do you present your child in dedication to God's purpose?
  • Realizing that no one is perfect, will you do your best to model, for your child, a life of obedience to God's purpose?
  • When your child is old enough, will you work to lead them into establishing their own relationship with Christ as their Savior?

Following the commitment made before God and the congregation,  our pastor will take the opportunity to pray over the child. During this prayer moment, a picture will be projected on the screen of the child (if parent allows)  to give the congregation a better view.

What can I expect after a dedication?

  1. Children and youth ministries are available for children ages nursery to 18 years old. These ministries are filled with volunteers and leaders who are devoted too investing in young people.
  2. Our weekend and Wednesday night programs are designed to fill you with resources and teaching tools to better equip parents on their parenting journey and personal walk with the Lord.
  3. Pastoral care is available, throughout the week, for parents if prayer or coaching is needed.

How to make the most out of a dedication?

  1. Prepare spiritually.
  2. Consider a day of fasting and prayer.
  3. Invite your friends and family to church.

How baby dedication could make you a better parent?

Parenting is obviously one of the most intimidating roles anyone ever fill. No one feels equipped enough to do it well. Everyone is in need of help from responsible sources. Here is a recommended approach to growing in skill and confidence.

  1. Baby dedication helps parents recognize the need for God's grace as it is an open declaration before Him and a request for His help.
  2. It can also commission parents to get our lives right with the Lord and take the necessary steps to strengthen their person relationship.
  3. It encourages parents to continue to bless their children everyday, pray for them, pray over them, and hold on to the promises of the Lord.
  4. It commissions parents to study their Word and grow in our skills by: finding a role model or  joining a small group.
  5. It can help parents stay focused during the tough and tiring seasons of parenting, because they can seek rest in the promises of God.

Why is a prayer of blessing so spiritually impacting?

"And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them."
Mark 10:16
During a dedication service, we practice something that the Bible calls "speaking a blessing." That is somewhat of a lost art in our culture today, but it is very powerful.
Blessing involves picturing a positive future for someone else through both spoken words and meaningful touch that is in agreement with God's promises for their life.

What is the difference between baby dedication and infant baptism?

In many Christian traditions it is customary to do a baptism of an infant, rather than a dedication. However, the biblical practice of baptism was limited to those who were old enough to make that decision for themselves. Baptism is an expression of personal faith in Christ. A dedication service is designed to bless infants but is a choice the parent makes on their child's behalf.

Can a single parent dedicate their child?

Absolutely! In fact, being able to be surrounded by your church family as you begin the journey of parenthood is a very special. It is a fantastic symbol of the reality that you are not alone.

Note: Many single parents will have someone come and stand with them on the platform. It could be one or both of your parents, a sibling, small group leader, or friend. Feel free to make this moment one that you feel you can celebrate with confidence.

Ready to sign up?

If you are interested in having your child be dedicated, please fill out the information below, so that a member of our team can be in contact with you.


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