REQUEST FOR CHILD DEDICATION
Biblical Authority
"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them... He said. 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these... and he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them" Mark 10:13, 16. Additional scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:28, Luke 2:22.
AGREEMENT OF DEDICATION
God's Part
"But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children" Psalms 103:17,18​
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"In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost" Matt 18:14
The Parent's Part
"These commandments that I give you 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 6:6,7
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The purpose of child dedication is really to be found in the purpose of the parents. The ceremony is most meaningful when parents dedicated themselves, as well as their child to God.
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This service is to help you, as parents, to appreciate your obligation to train your child in God's ways. God has a purpose for your child's life. To find that purpose and to live it out fully will mean success; to refuse or ignore it will mean failure. It is your privilege and duty to guide your child in such a way as to make the will of God the greatest ambition of his life.
You can do nothing better than to put your child in God's hands, for only God knows what possibilities there are wrapped up in this little life. And only God can develop in this life all the possibilities that are there.
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The act of dedication does not automatically make the children Christian. Instead, it is a point of beginning in which parents, having committed the children to God for his care in matters beyond human wisdom and understanding, enter into partnership with the church to teach them early to fear the Lord: to direct their minds to the Bible, their feet to church, their hearts to Jesus; to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
PLEDGE
In the act dedication the parents are asked to respond. "We do" to the following questions and make these vows and promises before God and the congregation.​​
Do you recognize that name of child is precious gift from God, first God's and then yours? (we do)
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Do you dedicate him/her to the Lord this day? (we do)
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Do you pledge as parents that you will bring up this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? (we do)
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Will you give name of child the benefit of home, school and of the church? (we will)
DEDICATION
"In the name of Jesus I dedicate this child to God"
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Following, the Pastor will take the child in his arms and a prayer of dedication similar to this will be prayed.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Our Father in heaven, we thank you for this precious life, a gift. We now dedicate name of child to you this day. We pray that your blessing would rest upon this child today, and all of its tomorrow's. Bless these parents and give them the strength, wisdom, grace and love they need to raise this child. In Jesus name, Amen.
For those who do not regularly attend Bethel Pentecostal Assembly, it is suggested that you attend at least two services prior to the dedication. This is for two purposes: First, it shows intent that the parents are indeed desirous to care for their own spiritual lives as well as that of the child. Secondly, it will acquaint you with the style and format of our services, making sure that you are comfortable having your child dedicated in our church.
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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
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Pastor Bryan Warnar