Parent/Child Dedication

This Sunday, a number of parents will have their newborns/infants dedicated to God at one of the worship services. This is an amazing time where parents and loved ones make commitments to raise their child (or children) in the Lord.

Some people wonder why parents choose to go through this process. Our associate pastor, Dave Sautner, explains:

"The pattern of Parent/Child dedications have ancient origins in the Bible. The Israelites, on the 8th day of a child's life, brought their children to the priest for a blessing. Hannah brought Samuel to Eli, the priest, to dedicate him to the Lord (1 Sam 1:21-28). Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple for His dedication (Luke 2:21-40).

As the pattern for Scripture teaches, we recognize that faith comes to a child when they are able - by an act of their own will - to trust Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10). Faith and salvation are not passed on through this Parent/Child dedication. Instead, parents are promising to raise their child (or children) in the training and instruction of the Lord, with the desire that one day, their child will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Leader."

Dedicating one's child to God is a massive, public statement by the parent(s). These families are going to raise this next generation in Jesus Christ. What an awesome opportunity to witness these commitments!