What is a Child Dedication Ceremony?
The traditions of child dedication has ancient origins in the Bible. The Israelites, on the 8th day of a child’s life, brought their children into the temple for a blessing. Hannah (in 1 Samuel) brought Samuel, and Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for dedication. This dedication was of the child to the ways of the Lord, but it was also a dedication of themselves, as parents who are responsible for nurturing the child’s early spiritual experiences and facilitating the process of spiritual commitment. We believe that a personal relationship with Christ occurs when a person chooses for themselves to place their faith in Christ. (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6) Although we believe a child has a definite spiritual advantage growing up in a home where parents are committed to the principles of biblical parenting, we do not believe that faith is “passed on” to a child through the Child Dedication ceremony. Parents are simply promising to raise their child according to biblical principles with the desire that one day their child will receive Jesus Christ for themselves as personal Savior .
This ceremony is a time of commitment when three things are publicly affirmed:
The parents affirm their commitment to raise their child to love and serve Jesus.
All who are present affirm their desire that the child will enter into a personal life-long relationship with Jesus Christ at an early age. A prayer expressing that desire is prayed over each child.
The Christ Community Church family affirms its commitment to assist both the parents and the child in their spiritual journey.
How often are Child Dedication Ceremonies offered?
It is Christ Community’s tradition to offer Parent/Child Dedication ceremonies on a periodic basis (usually 3-4 times each year) as part of our ministry to children and their parents.
Is this Ceremony the same as Infant Baptism or Christening?
No, it is not. While baptism or christening is a significant rite of passage for infants in a variety of faiths, at Christ Community we believe that baptism is reserved for those who have already made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and are old enough to grasp the role of baptism as an outward symbol of their faith.
The Biblical Baptism brochure at Christ Community explains our church’s position on practices regarding baptism. Christ Community Church teaches that baptism always follows an individual’s personal commitment to Christ as a “next step” in Christian growth.
How do I get my child dedicated?
There is a short information sheet and application that needs to be filled out. You can click on the link at the bottom of this page or these forms can be obtained from the church office or the Tiny Tots area.
Thank you for your interest in child dedication and for caring about the spiritual health of your child. The Early Childhood Ministry Staff at Christ Community Church would be honored to walk with you through the process!
If you would like to participate in the next Child Dedication Ceremony, please click on the link below and fill out the application and the information sheet.
Dates For Child Dedication Classes and Child Dedications
Class Date Dedication Date
Feb. 23rd March 8th & 9th
May 31st June 14th & 15th
Aug. 2nd Aug. 16th & 17th
Oct. 25th Nov. 8th & 9th