Crossroads Christian Services

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Why Should I Dedicate My Child?

The dedication of your child is as much for you as it
is for your child! By dedicating your child you are publicly affirming your desire as a parent to submit your child to God’s protection and guidance. You are saying that you want God’s perfect will to be established in the raising of your child. As a parent, you are an instrument that God has chosen to be his tool to express His love, His values and His character. This is why, during the service, the pastor will ask you as parents if it is your desire to raise your child in a loving and God-honoring way according to the principles found in God’s Word.

In essence, the dedication of your child is a moment in which the parents declare to God and the congregation their desire to raise their child as God would desire. All we posses belongs to the Lord! This includes our children. By dedicating your child, everyone in attendance is agreeing in prayer that God would protect your child and guide them according to His purpose and will. We acknowledge that there is a divine plan for that child, and we are willing to submit to His plan.

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Scripture References For Dedications

Although there is no specific scripture that commands us to dedicate our children in the manner that we are speaking of, there are some very good examples for us to follow.

In the Old Testament we often see the act of parents giving their children to God. Abraham was earnest as he literally sacrificed his child to God. Of course God prevented any harm to come to Issac, but the full intent of Abraham was to obey God and to give that child back to the One who gave it. As a result of Abraham’s obedience, great blessing came upon him and his family (Genesis 22).

Also in scripture is the story of Hannah and how she was barren. In response to her prayers, God blessed her with a child. She then took that child to the temple to give him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:24 ).

In the New Testament we have the prophecy of Zacharias, which is, in itself an acknowledgement of the call of God on John’s life (Luke 1:67-80).

We see then that dedication of children, although not commanded, is a very positive experience for the child and parents. It is not the basis of salvation, yet a moment in which the parents can acknowledge that this is a gift that God has entrusted to them as well as having a memory of which the child can look back along with parents and see that this was a foundation upon which a rich, spiritual life is built.

Parent/Child Dedication Is…
  • A public declaration as parents that you will raise your child up in the principles of God’s Word.
  • A time of prayer for God’s blessing, protection and guidance for this child’s life.
  • A petition for the congregation and pastors to support you as parents, and to pray for the Lord’s direction in both your life and your child’s.
  • A family affair! Please invite your family and friends to come and observe this precious moment.
  • For children of single and/or married parents.
  • Parent/Child Dedication Is Not…
  • A way for your child to receive salvation. Salvation is not based on any performance of duties or any ritual that we go through, but it is a result of one’s personal commitment to the Lord. This is a decision your son or daughter must make as they grow older.
  • A substitute for baptism. In Acts 2:38 we are told to “ repent and be baptized…”, this as well, is a decision your child must make on their own as they grow older.
  • …only for members of Crossroads Christian Church. As a believer in the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your own life, it is our privilege to share in your decision to dedicate your child to the Lord.
  • ….only for newborn babies. Many times parents who have come to know the Lord, or re-dedicated their lives to the Lord after they have had children, desire to dedicate their children to God, even though they may be older. This is appropriate, and we are glad to share in this joy.

Jeremiah 32:39 "I will give them singleness of heart & action for their own good and the good of their children after them

Basic Guidelines For Parent/Child Dedications

1) Please fill-out the dedication information sheet and return it to the church office. We plan our dedication ceremonies approximately once every three months. We will publish the dates weeks ahead of time in our bulletin and newsletter, and confirm the most convenient time for you.

2) Because of the nature of parent/child dedications, it is expected that at least one parent be in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

3) Please plan to be a few minutes early to the service scheduled for your child’s dedication, and let one of the pastors know that you are ready.

4) If you have any other questions or concerns about the dedication, call the church office.