Child Dedication

At Berwick Church of Christ, we love to celebrate families! We encourage parents/ carers to dedicate their children to God.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children… After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them” (Mark 10:14,16).

Frequently asked questions

What are Child Dedications?

Child Dedications are a biblical practice. When Jesus was a baby, Mary and Joseph brought him to the Temple to be dedicated to the Lord (Luke 2:22-40). This was to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law. Similarly, Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:21-28). During Jesus’ ministry, parents brought their children to Him to be blessed. Jesus warmly and openly welcomed the little children to come to Him (Matthew 19:13-15).

“Children are a gift from God; they are His reward” (Psalm 124:3). Child dedication is the acknowledgment that not only are children a gift from God, but they are His children. You are placing your child into God’s hands and trusting that He will guide you in parenting. Essentially, dedicating your child to God is to declare that you will train your child in the ways of the Lord. During the Child Dedication we also pray for the parents/carers; for wisdom and God’s blessing as they honour Him in raising their child.

Is a Child Dedication a substitution for Baptism?

Child Dedication is a decision made by the parents/carers; an acknowledgment of their responsibility and commitment to raising their child to follow the Lord. It is not an Infant Christening where the child is sprinkled with water.

Water Baptism is a public declaration of faith for believers. It is an act of obedience following the biblical mandate demonstrated by Jesus (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:1-11).

What is the process for a Child Dedication?

Please complete a Child Dedication Application Form and attend the next Q&A Child Dedication Briefing Session. You will be given a date and time for both the information session and Child Dedication Service (we dedicate children during our Sunday morning services).

What format does a Dedication take?

Child Dedication is part of our normal service and requires the parents to bring their child to the front of church at the appropriate time. We encourage siblings of the child to join in and we like to display a photo of your child on the monitor so everyone can see.

You may also like two other significant family members or friends to join you.

You will also be presented with a Certificate of Dedication and a small commemorative gift on this special occasion.

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Child Dedication