While not taught directly in the Bible, baby dedications are a church tradition to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child, and to make a commitment as parents to raise the child in the instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4).
The word “dedicate” means to set aside or commit for a purpose, and so a child dedication is committing a child to God. While often called a “baby dedication” at Refuge we will dedicate any child to the Lord in which the parents feel compelled to do so up until the age they are capable of making their own choice to follow Christ.
Parents cannot make a personal decision for a child to become a follower of Jesus, however parents can guide, teach, pray for, and lead their children. Child/Baby dedications are really parents dedicating themselves in the way they raise their child.
At Refuge.Church we see two primary purposes for a dedication service:
- For parents, joined by their church family, to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child, joyfully thanking God for this new addition to the family.
- For parents to commit themselves publicly to raise their child to love God, and for the church to pray for them in their tremendous responsibility as parents.
What does a baby/child dedication involve?
We will have child/baby dedications as a part of our regular services twice each year, or as requested. You will be asked to walk on the stage and we will introduce you and your child. You will be asked to answer “We do” or “I do” to a few questions showing your willingness to dedicate your child to the Lord, and to commit to raising him/her in the instruction of the Lord. If you would like, you may also share a favorite bible verse as a part of the dedication. The dedication will conclude with a time of prayer for your child by the entire church body.
How do I schedule a dedication for my child?
You may schedule a dedication of your child by contacting either Pastor Tania or Brian. We encourage you to invite your friends and family to the event as we celebrate your child, and your committment to teach them to know the love and grace of Christ.
And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deut. 6:5-9 NLT)