We are excited about your decision to lead your child into a growing relationship with Jesus and want to celebrate with you! You have been entrusted with the precious gift of new life, and we look forward to partnering with you on this parenting journey.
WHY DEDICATE YOUR CHILD?
Child dedication is an opportunity for parents to present their child before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities. Parents also come praying that their child will one day love and follow Jesus. It’s a joyful time to recognize that every child is a gift from God, and for parents to publicly commit themselves to do their best with that gift.
Although not required in the Bible as are baptism and communion, child dedication is an important next step for parents, and is exemplified in scripture (1 Sam. 1:11, Luke 2:22). A child dedication is more a commitment from the parents to raise their child in God’s ways, but also allows friends, family, and the church community to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child, thanking God for this precious new addition. At the end of the dedication the whole church will pray for the parents in their responsibilities and fulfill the church’s role in supporting and encouraging the parents to lead the child in faith.
HOW DO CHILD DEDICATIONS AT NORTHIRON WORK?
Child dedications are scheduled on a regular basis as parents register to have their children dedicated. Once your date is determined we encourage you to invite friends and family to attend, so that they can join you in praying and celebrating this special time with you. On the day of your dedication we invite the parents and child on stage where, we as a church, pray over your child and you as parents.
WHAT ARE THE PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES?
To raise their children in God’s ways, parents should be committed followers of Jesus having trusted in Him for salvation. Parents acknowledge Jesus loves them, and they are committed to a growing relationship with Him. Parents take seriously the responsibility of raising their children with a strong spiritual foundation by:
1. Committing to teach and train their child in the Word and ways of God.
2. Show their child how to live a godly life by way of example.
3. Love their child with all their heart.
4. Provide for their child’s needs.
5. Pray sincerely with, and for, their child.
6. Discipline them in accordance with God’s word.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR CHILD DEDICATION?
From birth, child dedication can take place at any age of childhood, although they typically occur when the child is young. No matter the age, we want to encourage you to dedicate your child if you feel led to do so.
IS CHILD DEDICATION THE SAME AS BAPTISM?
Child dedication isn’t the same as infant baptism. At NORTHIRON we believe baptism is a public declaration of an individual’s decision to follow Jesus. Since infants and young children aren’t capable of making that decision, we hold off baptism for a time when a person is old enough to understand the decision to make Jesus the forgiver and leader of their life. For more information on baptism, visit our baptism page.