Child Dedication Service
Q. Do I need to be a Partner (member) of Grace Church to have my child dedicated at Grace?
A. No, you do not need to be a Partner, but we ask that you consider Grace Church your home church. Why? We aim to join you and equip you to build a spiritually healthy home. We want to be a strong support as you raise your child to know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To partner together, we also believe it is important that you agree with Grace Church's beliefs and values.
Q. What is the biblical purpose and history of child dedication?
A. In the Bible you will find an example of child dedication in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 where Hannah prayed year after year for God to give her a child. He answered her prayers and she gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel. When Samuel was born, Hannah prayed these words, “For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated Him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.”
In the book of Luke chapter 2, following the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple and dedicated Him.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 describes God’s plan for how a parent should raise a child. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you walk."
Q. At what age can a child be dedicated?
A. Grace Church does not have a set age, but people often dedicate their child within their first year, although many parents dedicate their child much older than that for the following reasons:
• The parent(s) are new believers in Christ and their child was not dedicated when they were infants.
• The parent(s) are having a younger child dedicated and want to have their older child dedicated at the same time.
Q. Can a single parent participate in a child dedication service?
A. Yes! Single parents are welcome to dedicate their child.
To have your child dedicated at Grace Church:
• We ask parents to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• We ask parents to ensure their beliefs align with Grace Church’s core beliefs.
• We ask that parents regularly attend Grace Church’s weekend service.
• We ask that parents living together but not married, take a step to acknowledge and surrender to God’s plan for their relationship before participating in a child dedication service.
*The last day to register your child is November 3.