StoneBridge believes children are a gift from God, and we are very excited that you are investigating child dedication.
Child dedication is a public commitment you make before God, your church, and your family. The dedication service provides you, the parent(s), an opportunity to express publicly your desire to lead and spiritually nurture your child in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, so your child will develop a desire to love God and love others.
Listed below are frequently asked questions about child dedication. Take time to review them to find answers to any questions you may have. For unanswered questions, feel free to contact Stephanie Schack or call 419-422-6862.
What is a child dedication?
This special service permits parents to publicly present their children to God and to make a commitment to bring their children up in a Christ-centered home.
Child dedication is 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. We as Christians have a tremendous responsibility given to us when the Lord blesses us with a child.
What does it signify?
It is a parent’s act of dedication, making a spiritual commitment to God concerning the upbringing of their child. This commitment involves a lifestyle of praying for the child, teaching from God’s Word and setting a Christ-like example.
How is this different from baptism?
Dedication is not infant baptism. It does not indicate or assure salvation. At StoneBridge, we believe that every person must exercise personal faith in Christ when he or she is old enough to understand the Gospel.
Where in Scripture is there a precedent for dedication of a child
The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible. The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessings. 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 Jesus to the temple for His dedication. He allowed little children to come to Him for His blessing (Matthew 19:13-15).