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We are so excited to be having this Parent/Child Dedication Ceremony during our Sunday morning service. Proverbs 22:6 says to "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." We know this is a special time for you and your family, and we hope to answer any questions you would have about this process and what this service entails. |
The Parent/Child Dedication Service is a time of public and personal commitment where parents commit to raise their children according to God's principles.
Expectations of Parents
- Parent(s) must sign up below and complete a short class before participating in the next Parent/Child Dedication Ceremony.
- At least one or both of the parents have made a commitment to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We recognize that there are many families in which only one parent has come to faith. And in many of these families, the spouse that is not yet a believer would still like to participate - that is okay.
- Parent(s) are regular attenders at North Florida Baptist's weekend services and are following Christ in their own life.
- Parent(s) align with North Florida Baptist's beliefs, vision and values.
- Parent(s) commit to modeling personal purity and to lead by example in matters of faith and conduct. We recognize that some unmarried parents choose to cohabit before marital vows have been exchanged. Unmarried, cohabiting couples who wish to dedicate their child(ren) are encouraged to speak to their pastor before proceeding with their registration.
As a parent dedicating my child(ren), I acknowledge to uphold the following commitments:
- Parent(s) commit to modeling personal purity and to lead by example in matters of faith and conduct.
- I acknowledge that my child is a gift from God, that I am his/her caretaker, and therefore commit before God and this church family to accept responsibility for guiding my child to know and follow Jesus Christ.
- As a parent who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ:
- I will model for my child how to have a growing relationship with Jesus
- I believe that as my child grows, they will reach a stage in maturity where they will need to decide for themselves whether they will trust Jesus as Savior. I will teach my child who Jesus is and how to trust Him as Savior.
- I acknowledge that God established marriage and He partners with me to honor my marriage covenant for the benefit of my child.
- I believe that my child was created in the image of God and has the potential for being vital in His Kingdom.
- I will study and apply the Bible to my daily life.
- I will help my child to understand and obey the Bible’s teachings.
- I will teach my child the priority of prayer.
- I believe that Jesus established His church to be an extension of His love in the world.
- I will model for my child a love for church and a willingness to strengthen Jesus’ ministry by serving others.
- With God as my strength, I promise to give my child every possible opportunity to benefit from home, school, church, and community.
- I ask Him to bless my child and to guide and guard him/her through all of his/her years.
Want to know more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about child dedication.
What is the biblical purpose for parent/child dedication?
The scriptural root of child dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:27–28 (ESV), where a godly woman named Hannah prayed year after year for God to give her a child. He answered her prayer, 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."
A New Testament example is in Luke chapter 2. Following the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple and dedicated him.
In both Scripture passages, the parents entrusted their child completely to God. The writings of Moses, found in Deuteronomy 6:5–9, describe 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. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Does North Florida Baptist baptize infants?
Scripture provides evidence that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48). In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. North Florida Baptist believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means.
Dedication is not a sacrament; nor does it impart grace or salvation to a child. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through him and his work on the cross.
Rather than baptizing infants or children, North Florida Baptist encourages Christian parents to dedicate their children. This is a special moment in our church service where parents formally call upon God’s blessing for their child and publicly commit to raise him or her in accordance with scripture.
Can a single parent participate in a child dedication service?
Yes! Child dedication signifies the commitment of parents (including single parents) to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Additionally, we highly encourage single parents to dedicate their child as they commit themselves to raise him or her without the presence or partnership of a spouse. The decision to dedicate a child is not dependent upon the beliefs of the ex-spouse; however, we encourage single parents to discuss child dedication with their ex-spouse. Ideally, both parents—even if not married—would still commit to the dedication of their child to God. We acknowledge that this is often not possible and that it takes extra effort for a single parent to raise a child. As a church, North Florida Baptist is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.
Can parent(s) assign godparents?
Although the term “godparent” is not used at North Florida Baptist, we do welcome parents to invite friends and family members committed to supporting them. The presence of these significant adults symbolizes their commitment to play a supportive role in the child’s spiritual development. During the ceremony only immediate family members are invited to up to the front or on stage, but special seating may be available for family and friends.
What should we wear on dedication day?
Parents and children are welcome to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. You will be standing in the front of the worship center so please choose appropriate attire. Christening gowns are often family heirlooms with a significant history in the family, and it is fine for your child to wear one if you want.
What should we expect from the Child Dedication class?
You will receive valuable information on what it means to bring your child up with Christian beliefs, along with practical application to help you navigate your journey with your child. Your child will receive a Jesus Storybook Bible and a certificate to celebrate this important occasion.
The scriptural root of child dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:27–28 (ESV), where a godly woman named Hannah prayed year after year for God to give her a child. He answered her prayer, 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."
A New Testament example is in Luke chapter 2. Following the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple and dedicated him.
In both Scripture passages, the parents entrusted their child completely to God. The writings of Moses, found in Deuteronomy 6:5–9, describe 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. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
Does North Florida Baptist baptize infants?
Scripture provides evidence that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48). In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them, and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. North Florida Baptist believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means.
Dedication is not a sacrament; nor does it impart grace or salvation to a child. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through him and his work on the cross.
Rather than baptizing infants or children, North Florida Baptist encourages Christian parents to dedicate their children. This is a special moment in our church service where parents formally call upon God’s blessing for their child and publicly commit to raise him or her in accordance with scripture.
Can a single parent participate in a child dedication service?
Yes! Child dedication signifies the commitment of parents (including single parents) to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Additionally, we highly encourage single parents to dedicate their child as they commit themselves to raise him or her without the presence or partnership of a spouse. The decision to dedicate a child is not dependent upon the beliefs of the ex-spouse; however, we encourage single parents to discuss child dedication with their ex-spouse. Ideally, both parents—even if not married—would still commit to the dedication of their child to God. We acknowledge that this is often not possible and that it takes extra effort for a single parent to raise a child. As a church, North Florida Baptist is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.
Can parent(s) assign godparents?
Although the term “godparent” is not used at North Florida Baptist, we do welcome parents to invite friends and family members committed to supporting them. The presence of these significant adults symbolizes their commitment to play a supportive role in the child’s spiritual development. During the ceremony only immediate family members are invited to up to the front or on stage, but special seating may be available for family and friends.
What should we wear on dedication day?
Parents and children are welcome to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. You will be standing in the front of the worship center so please choose appropriate attire. Christening gowns are often family heirlooms with a significant history in the family, and it is fine for your child to wear one if you want.
What should we expect from the Child Dedication class?
You will receive valuable information on what it means to bring your child up with Christian beliefs, along with practical application to help you navigate your journey with your child. Your child will receive a Jesus Storybook Bible and a certificate to celebrate this important occasion.