Children are a gift from God. Many examples throughout Scripture remind us that they are precious in His sight. Psalm 127:3 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Raising children is a challenge, but it is worth the effort. God commissions parents to train their children to know and love Him. One way we can do this is to participate in child dedication. Whether they are newborns or newly graduated, all children can be dedicated to God. It’s never too late to commit your way to the Lord by dedicating your children to Him.
Raising children is a challenge, but it is worth the effort. God commissions parents to train their children to know and love Him. One way we can do this is to participate in child dedication. Whether they are newborns or newly graduated, all children can be dedicated to God. It’s never too late to commit your way to the Lord by dedicating your children to Him.
WHAT IS CHILD DEDICATION?
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”Proverbs 22:6
Child dedication is a time to celebrate parents' commitment to raising their children in a God-honoring way. At this public dedication, parents will…
Child dedication is a time to celebrate parents' commitment to raising their children in a God-honoring way. At this public dedication, parents will…
- Stand before God and the church and commit to living under the authority of God’s Word.
- Accept responsibility as the primary faith trainers of their children.
- Acknowledge that their children belong to God first and are given to them as a gift to steward, grow, and develop.
- Commit to praying continually for their children to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
- Commit to loving their children unconditionally as Jesus does.
WHAT CHILD DEDICATION IS NOT
Child dedication can happen at any age and stage of a child’s life. Many families dedicate their children as babies. However, parents must recognize that child dedication does not determine a child’s eternal destination. It is an act of obedience for parents to acknowledge that their children are gifts from God to steward.
Child dedication is not salvation. Salvation happens when a child recognizes their sin, admits their need for a Savior, decides to receive Christ, and submits to His authority
in their life.
Child dedication is not baptism. Biblical baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is the first act of obedience a believer does after they place their faith in Jesus. A child must put their faith in Jesus before they can be baptized.
Child dedication is not salvation. Salvation happens when a child recognizes their sin, admits their need for a Savior, decides to receive Christ, and submits to His authority
in their life.
Child dedication is not baptism. Biblical baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It is the first act of obedience a believer does after they place their faith in Jesus. A child must put their faith in Jesus before they can be baptized.
HOW DO WE CELEBRATE CHILD DEDICATION?
Living Hope offers children dedications as needed at our church. Parents who want to dedicate their children are brought on stage before the church body, and their names are announced. The pastor then leads the church in prayer over the families.
Child dedication allows friends and family to acknowledge and affirm parents’ desire to bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord and cover them in prayer as they seek to walk this out intentionally. Since biblical community is so helpful in reaching this goal, child dedication is a great opportunity to invite friends and family to church to witness this event and celebrate together!
Child dedication allows friends and family to acknowledge and affirm parents’ desire to bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord and cover them in prayer as they seek to walk this out intentionally. Since biblical community is so helpful in reaching this goal, child dedication is a great opportunity to invite friends and family to church to witness this event and celebrate together!
EXAMPLES OF CHILD DEDICATION IN THE BIBLE
Throughout history, faithful followers of God have dedicated their children to God. These parents acknowledged that their children were gifts from God and were to be reared, shepherded and stewarded accordingly.
Hannah Dedicated Samuel to God “’For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.’ So they worshiped the Lord there.”
1 Samuel 1:27-28
Hannah and her husband took their young son Samuel to the house of the Lord to dedicate him to God's service. Hannah acknowledged that her son was a precious gift from God and that he ultimately belonged to God. She showed her worship and gratitude by dedicating him to God. Hannah’s attitude of humble surrender in parenthood is inspiring!
Mary and Joseph Dedicated Jesus in the Temple “Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord… And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”
Luke 2:22 & 40
After Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and dedicate Jesus before the Lord. Even this perfect, sinless child destined to be the Savior of the world needed His earthly parents to dedicate Him to God! Mary and Joseph’s example shows us the priority they placed on raising Jesus in a godly home and God-honoring way. Their intentionality helped prepare Him for the work and ministry God had planned for Him.
Hannah Dedicated Samuel to God “’For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.’ So they worshiped the Lord there.”
1 Samuel 1:27-28
Hannah and her husband took their young son Samuel to the house of the Lord to dedicate him to God's service. Hannah acknowledged that her son was a precious gift from God and that he ultimately belonged to God. She showed her worship and gratitude by dedicating him to God. Hannah’s attitude of humble surrender in parenthood is inspiring!
Mary and Joseph Dedicated Jesus in the Temple “Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord… And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”
Luke 2:22 & 40
After Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph journeyed to the temple in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices and dedicate Jesus before the Lord. Even this perfect, sinless child destined to be the Savior of the world needed His earthly parents to dedicate Him to God! Mary and Joseph’s example shows us the priority they placed on raising Jesus in a godly home and God-honoring way. Their intentionality helped prepare Him for the work and ministry God had planned for Him.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PARENTS
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”—3 John 1:4
Child dedication can be a milestone moment in your child’s life. When challenging days of parenting leave you feeling discouraged and wondering what to do next, you can reflect on that event and be reminded of your purpose as a parent.
The beauty of dedicating your child in front of your church is that you have accountability and support from that community. You can reach out to other godly parents for wisdom and counsel as you seek to raise your children to know and love Jesus.
Children are prone to rebellion because we are all born with a rebellious heart. Difficulties will arise that may be confusing and might even seem insurmountable. We can always turn to God regardless of our situations, whether as parents or children. The truth of His Word is available to guide us, and His grace is sufficient for our shortcomings. Surrender is at the heart of child dedication. Intentional, personal, and daily surrender to God and His will for us and our children is key to genuine commitment to Him.
Child dedication can be a milestone moment in your child’s life. When challenging days of parenting leave you feeling discouraged and wondering what to do next, you can reflect on that event and be reminded of your purpose as a parent.
The beauty of dedicating your child in front of your church is that you have accountability and support from that community. You can reach out to other godly parents for wisdom and counsel as you seek to raise your children to know and love Jesus.
Children are prone to rebellion because we are all born with a rebellious heart. Difficulties will arise that may be confusing and might even seem insurmountable. We can always turn to God regardless of our situations, whether as parents or children. The truth of His Word is available to guide us, and His grace is sufficient for our shortcomings. Surrender is at the heart of child dedication. Intentional, personal, and daily surrender to God and His will for us and our children is key to genuine commitment to Him.