CHILD DEDICATION
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3 NLT).
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV).
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope'” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).
A Time to Celebrate
We are excited that you wish to dedicate your child to the Lord! At Purpose House Church, child dedication is a time for believing parents and their families to make a commitment before the Lord to raise their child in the fear and admonition of the Lord, meaning they will raise their child according to God’s Word.
Our child dedications happen just before our Sunday service. During the dedication, there are three commitments made:
- Parents make a commitment to raising their child in a Godly home.
- Our Senior Pastors make a commitment to serve in the office of pastor with honor and integrity.
- We ask the church to make a commitment that they will be the hands and feet of Jesus to this child and to this family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Dedication
Child dedication is a momentous occasion where parents make a public declaration of faith to raise their child under God’s grace and wisdom. It shows that you recognize your child is a gift from God and you are committing yourself to being a godly example to your child. While child dedication does not secure salvation, it is a symbolic moment where you entrust your child’s life to God’s will. Bringing your child before the Lord does not mean they will never experience harm or pain, but it means that as parents, you will do your part in raising your child in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
Typically, only the immediate family comes onto the platform. Siblings are welcome, provided they are able to remain still and quiet for the duration of the dedication.
A DVD of the baby dedication is given to you after the dedication, free of charge. If you wish to take your own photos and videos, you may do so as it does not disrupt the sacredness of the event. This means remaining seated and refraining from using flash photography and/or special lighting equipment.
We believe that a person must make their own personal commitment to Christ before being baptized.
Until children are old enough to be able to do so, we provide parents the opportunity to dedicate their children to the Lord, praying that He would ultimately lead them to that personal decision.
We will pray for protection and dedication over your child. There will be three commitments made during the dedication, including one from the audience, one from the senior pastor and one made by the parents. We will present a bible to the child and a letter to the parents with instructions for the letter to be opened by the child on their 12th birthday. (The letter asks the child if they would they make a personal decision to follow Christ if they have not already done so.) We then pray over the family as a whole, and speak God’s blessings, favor, and wisdom over each of them.