Dedicating a Child to the Lord

The practice of dedicating a child to the Lord has its roots in the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Jews were commanded to present their firstborn male children to God (Exodus 13:2). The beautiful story of the dedication of Samuel by his mother is an example of what it means to dedicate a child to God (1 Samuel 1).

In the New Testament, the parents of Jesus presented their son to God in the Temple when Jesus was just a child (Luke 2:21-24). Dedicating a child to God was not just an empty tradition. It symbolized the parents giving the child to God, asking God to use the child for His purposes.

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What is Required to Dedicate a Child at Grace Community Church?

The parent(s) must be committed Christians and faithful members of Grace Community Church.
This is essential since the purpose of the dedication is for the parents and the church family to work together in the encouragement and Christian nurturing of the child.
Couples who are cohabitating and are not married are NOT eligible to have their child dedicated.  This is no slight against the child or to you as a couple, but a call to excellence of integrity of the parent's discipleship. 
Additionally, the parents should also be aware of the seriousness of making a promise or vow to God. When a person makes a vow to God, he must understand that God expects that vow to be fulfilled (Numbers 30:2).

Don't hesitate to call us if you have a question or concern. 

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Scheduling a Dedication Service

• In order to schedule a dedication, begin by filling out the ON-LINE REGISTRATION form order to signal our administrator and select the best DATE and SERVICE time.  Other parents may also decide to dedicate their children on the same occasion. You are welcome to invite family and friends to join you for this special occasion.  And don't forget to ask a friend to take some pictures!

• Check your e-mail in-box later as someone will contact you soon. They will confirm the time or notify you of any conflicts. You may call us at 575-623-5438 if you have questions. 
   

What Happens at a Service of Dedication?

There are essentially two parts to the dedication service of a child:

• The parent(s) are publicly professing their personal commitment to follow Christ as Lord and Savior, and to raise their child to do the same. A dedication is not a baptism, but rather a promise to God by the parents to raise their child to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

• The dedication service involves a prayer of commitment by the Church to encourage and assist the parents in the Christian nurturing of the child. The church commits to be “an extended family”, offering love and support to the parents and the child.

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This information may be downloaded HERE.

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So what do you do next? 
You can start by reading this BABY DEDICATION PRIMER. 

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1. The Week before, touch base with the church office (575-623-5438) and with whatever guests you have coming to ensure that everyone knows: 

   • Which service to attend

   • What time to arrive and where you're sitting together

   • To come to the front row during Communion

   • Also, some friends and family members may need a "courtesy text reminder"

      

2. The night before, have a time of prayer with the whole family, dedicating yourselves, privately before the Lord. 
    

3. The day of the dedication, touch base with Rick and get final instructions if any.
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Days and years following:

1. You might want to frame a picture of the event and remind your child that they were dedicated to the Lord and what that means.  

2. From time to time, refer back to the Baby Dedication Primer for creative ideas or reminders. 

3. When you buy them their first Bible, you might put that picture in there as a symbol of and testimony of their dedication to the Lord - and as a sober reminder that they must own their own faith by acknowledging and receiving Christ as their Savior.

4. When they leave the house and start their own home, refer them to the pattern of faith you established.

5. Pray, pray, pray! Keep asking that God's Kingdom would come and will would be done in their lives. We cannot make decisions for them, but we can ask God to supernaturally provide and protect them to become powerful and dynamic disciples, for that is His will!