Why Child Dedication?
(Please fill out the Child Dedication Form at the bottom of this page)
The scriptural root of a child dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:27–28 (NASB), where a godly woman named Hannah prayed year after year for God to give her a child. He answered her prayer and she gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel. When Samuel was born, Hannah prayed these words:
"For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord."
In Luke chapter 2 of the New Testament, following the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple and dedicated Him.
In both Scripture passages, the parents entrusted their child completely to God.
The writings of Moses found in Deuteronomy 6:5–9 describe God's plan for how a parent should raise up a child:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates."
One key step in marking your desire to nurture your child in the ways of God is to dedicate him or her to God publicly, through a child dedication ceremony.
Dedication Process:
Parents will be asked to bring their child up onto the platform. There will be a short PowerPoint to highlight the children being dedicated. The Pastor will ask you to affirm some commitments to God as parents. Parents will have the opportunity to pray over their child. The church will also commit to help you raise your child in a Godly way.
You will be asked to respond to the following covenant:
Will you raise your child in an atmosphere of love and discipline, knowing that hope for a healthy childhood is one of unconditional love and clear standards? If so, please respond “I will.”
Will you communicate to your child faith in Jesus Christ – Communicating the need of a Savior and the necessity of the cross? If so, please respond “I will.”
Will you regularly pray for your child? Will you pray that God will use him or her for God’s glory no matter the cost? Will you also pray that God will use you to develop your child’s talents and passions to be used by Him? If so, please respond “I will.”
Pictures:
· You may submit up to 6 pictures of your baby/child.
· Send your photos to Scott@NewLife906.com or drop off a USB drive with the photos to the church office.
· Photos must be received at least 1 week before the baby dedication Sunday.
· Photos will be arranged in a group presentation that will be part of the baby dedication service.
Child Dedication Request Form: (Please fill one for each child by refreshing this page)