Q. What is the biblical purpose and history of a 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 up 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! Wanting to dedicate your child signifies your commitment as the parent, even as a single parent.
Q. Do I need to be a member of Grace Church to have my child dedicated at Grace?
A. No, you do not need to be a member, but we ask that you make sure you consider Grace Church your home church. Why? Our aim is 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 believe it is important that you agree with Grace Church's belief and values.
To have your child dedicated at Grace Church:
• We ask parents to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• We ask parents to be sure their beliefs line up with Grace Church’s statement of belief.
• We ask parents to be regular attenders of Grace Church’s weekend service.
• We ask parents who are living together and who are not married to take a step to acknowledge and surrender to God’s plan for their relationship before participating in a child dedication service.