Baby dedication is not an act of salvation, baptism, or church membership. It is seen as a symbolic way to present the child to the church and make a covenant to raise the child in a godly home. There is no water involved, as according to this view salvation and baptism are events that will come later when the child grows and accepts Christ personally. This is often called ‘believer’s baptism,’ as it happens when the child makes a profession of faith.

There is no specific Scripture reference to child dedication as modern-day Christians know and practice it, but there are abundant references to the family unit and the need to train up children in “the way they should go” so that, “ when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). In reading the New Testament, it is difficult to tell if or how baby dedication would have been observed. However, is it clear that the raising of children is undoubtedly important in the life of the Church:

• “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him” – Psalm 127:3.
• “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” – Matthew 19:14.
• “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

Other places in Scripture that mention the idea of dedicating children are 1 Samuel 1:11, where Hannah vows to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord, and Luke 2:22, where we see Mary and Joseph at the Temple presenting Jesus to the Lord. These are just a few verses that apply to the dedication of children and verses that are often part of a baby dedication ceremony.

If you would like to have your child(ren) dedicated, please fill out the form below.