Child Dedication is an opportunity for parents to publicly declare their decision to raise their child in a way that honors God. It is a time set aside for parents to declare their commitment to fostering an atmosphere that would bring about a desire in their child to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In many ways, a child dedication service is a time of celebrating the parents’ decision to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. It's a time for family, friends and Cornerstone Church to say we will partner with you in this journey.
Biblical Principles for Child Dedications
God has a purpose and a plan for each of His children
"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
We ask that His will be revealed and released in the lives of our children.
Children are a gift from God
"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him."Psalm 127:3
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 139:13,14
Therefore, we receive our children from Him with a thankful heart.
Jesus encouraged His disciples to bring the children to Him
"People were bringing little children to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:13-16Therefore, we bring our children to Jesus in prayer to ask for His blessing.
Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God
"Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them...so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life...These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:2, 6-7"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done." Psalm 78:6
"Parents do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and in the instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4
"He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge." Proverbs 14:26
"As a result of our relationship with God, our homes will be characterized by...the fruit of His Spirit, filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Galatians 5:22
Therefore, we accept our responsibility and commit ourselves to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We also commit to raising our children with the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Practical ways to guide your children into a relationship with Christ
- Continue to develop your own personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible reading and obedience to God’s Word.
- Attend church regularly as a family.
- Talk to your children about what they learn at church. Share with them what you learn as well.
- Develop Christian friendships with other parents who can be mentors to help guide you through the child-raising years.
- Talk about your faith and read from God’s Word at home. Encourage your children to begin memorizing scripture as soon as they are able.
- Pray with and for your children daily.