For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Ps. 139:13 NIV

From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God. Ps. 22:10 CEV

“… do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 NLT

Baby dedication and child dedication are the act of giving back to God the gift he has given you as parents. It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust, and commitment. Our Child Dedication service is a celebration where parents commit to raise their children to one day know Jesus Christ and help them to grow in their faith. Parents will promise to model the teachings of Jesus and share His love. It is a service where family and friends are encouraged to support and pray for their special little one.

The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible. The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing. Hannah (I Samuel 1:24-28) brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest Eli to dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication (Luke 2). Bringing your children to God was an issue in Jesus’ day:

The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible. The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing. Hannah (I Samuel 1:24-28) brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest Eli to dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication (Luke 2). Bringing your children to God was an issue in Jesus’ day:

People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them.  But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18:15-17

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 doorframes 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 is not a sacrament; nor does it impart grace or salvation to a child. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through Christ and His work on the cross

Child dedication is different from infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, it is the practice of Friends Church to dedicate children. At Friends Church we believe that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Dedication of Children can be a special point of commitment that helps strengthen and support families.

Absolutely! Child dedication signifies the commitment of parents (including single parents) to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Christ. Additionally, we highly encourage single parents to dedicate their child as they commit themselves to raise him or her without the presence or partnership of a spouse. The decision to dedicate a child is not dependent upon the beliefs of the ex-spouse; however we encourage single parents to discuss child dedication with their ex-spouse if practical. Friends Church is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.

You do not need to be a member of Friends Church to have your child dedicated in a worship service at Friends. We do encourage parents to make sure they are calling Friends their home church. Why? In dedicating your child to God, you are stating that you are willing to partner with God and the church to raise your child in cooperation with God’s intentions. To partner with any church, a parent would be wise to decide if he or she agrees with its beliefs and vision, so they can be all-in in their partnership with the church. The church body is also a part of the dedication process as they are asked to support and encourage your family and that is only possible as you are part of the community.

During the dedication service, Families are invited up to the front of the church. You will not be expected to speak except to acknowledge your vows etc. Parents express vows before God, their family, and the church, declaring their desire to raise their child in a God-honoring way. Because parents are the key role models for their children, they play a primary role in the dedication service. Prayers will be made for each family.

Any age is appropriate. Four months to four years old may be the average age range of those dedicated, but there are many circumstances that older children are dedicated as well.

The Dedication Service is a very special time, so be sure to invite your family, friends, and/or small group members. There is no limit on the number of guest you may invite! We do not use the term “God parents” at Friends Church, however we certainly support your choice of significant individuals to offer support and encouragement and to hold you accountable to the commitment you will be making.

If you are a new Christian, we are delighted to be a part of this important step in your newly found walk with Jesus. Our intent is to come alongside of you and help ensure that the Child Dedication is a non-threatening process that will be a personal time of deep significance for you and your family.

Our next Dedication Sunday is dependent on when we begin in-person service again.

Use the form below to let us know you're interested.