PROCEDURE

When parents request to have their baby dedicated, the following is sent to them:

"Congratulations to you on being blessed with your child. We appreciate and support your decision to dedicate this child to the Lord."

Why do we dedicate children to the Lord?

To follow the example of Jesus Christ when Joseph and Mary presented Him to God.  

  • To establish, empower, and encourage parents in their God-given responsibility to love, train, and equip their child to fulfill God’s destiny.    
     

    • “When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him (Jesus) to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:22)    
       

    • “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

NOTE: We dedicate children but do not water baptize infants or very young children. Just as receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is a personal choice as an act of faith, water baptism also requires the same. Since infants and very young children are not capable to do this at this stage in life, we prefer to wait until the child is old enough to exercise his/her own choice and faith in God’s Word.

The Baby Dedication Ceremony

The pastor (or officiating leader) will lead the parents and family and friends in prayer and vows (like in a wedding ceremony). After the opening prayer, the pastor will say a phrase that will be repeated by specific parties.


OPENING PRAYER  

“Father God, just as Joseph and Mary presented Jesus to you, these parents want to follow that example by presenting and dedicating (child’s name) to you. By Your Holy Spirit, please bless this time of dedication and promise. In Jesus’ name… Amen.”

PRESENTATION OF BABY BY PARENTS TO GOD

“Father God, we the parents of (child’s formal name), thank You for this precious gift that You have given us. We dedicate and present him/her back to You. We ask and pray that You grant us the love, grace, wisdom, and strength to raise him/her to fulfill the destiny and purpose You have given him/her.”

VOW OF PARENTS TO CHILD 

“(Child’s name), we promise and covenant to train you up to love and follow God and to fulfill the destiny and purpose He has given to you. By God’s grace, we promise to do our best for you.”

VOW OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CHILD AND PARENTS

“(Parents’ names), we promise and covenant to love and support you as you raise (child’s name) to fulfill God’s destiny and purpose. By God’s grace, we promise to do our best for you.”

BENEDICTION

“Father, you have heard the dedication of (child’s formal name) and promises of these parents, family, and friends. We pray for your grace on them to fulfill their promises and vows. We pray (child’s name) grows up to follow you and to give you glory. Thank You for your protection, provision, and blessing on this family. In Jesus’ Name… Amen.”