Child Dedication

What is Child Dedication?

Child dedication is not baptism, salvation, or church membership. It’s a symbolic moment where parents commit to raising their child in a Christ-centered home and church community.

There’s no water involved—this isn’t baptism. Instead, it reflects our belief in believer’s baptism, which takes place later in life when a child personally chooses to follow Jesus.

What does the Bible say?

While Scripture doesn’t outline child dedication as we practice it today, the Bible is clear about the importance of raising children to know and follow God.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Throughout Scripture, we see the value God places on children and the role of parents in nurturing their faith.

Examples include:
 • “Children are a heritage from the Lord…” – Psalm 127:3
 • “Let the little children come to me…” – Matthew 19:14
 • “Impress [God’s commandments] on your children…” – Deuteronomy 6:6–7
 • Hannah dedicating Samuel – 1 Samuel 1:11
 • Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus – Luke 2:22

These passages reflect the heart behind child dedication—a commitment to raise children in a Christ-centered home and church.