Parent/Child Dedication is an opportunity for you, as a parent, to commit yourself to the task of growing your children into faith.

From the earliest stories in the Bible, God wants His people to know Him. God asks families to use every opportunity whether sitting at home, walking along the way, telling bedtime stories or rising up early in the morning to speak about the wonders and love of the Lord to their children.

The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: "Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in." Then gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

Mark 10:13-16 The Message

Every parent feels inadequate to the task of developing their child into a man or woman of God. In Parent-Child Dedication parents commit themselves to seeking God on behalf of their children. At the same time, Bethel as a faith community, affirms parents in their task and commits to help in this process.

Dedication Is Not The Same As Infant Baptism or Christening

The Bible teaches that baptism is for people who have made a choice to follow Christ so we baptize only those who can give verbal testimony of their personal faith in Christ. Infant dedication, which also has a place in the Bible (Luke 2:22-24), never involved baptism.

Parent/Child Dedication Is a Joyful Occasion, But Also Involves a Sincere and Serious Commitment

• It is a promise to raise your child into a life of full devotion to Jesus.
• It is a public prayer, recognizing that your child belongs to God and that we act as trustees to guide the child in truth and wisdom and asking God for His help and blessing.
• It is a special moment when you publicly declare your faith in Christ and your willingness to model a life of faith for your children.
• The church receives the child under its umbrella of ministry and promises to encourage, counsel, and work with you as parents.

To Participate in a Parent/Child Dedication

Please contact the church office or our Children’s Ministry Director. Dedications are scheduled as part of our Sunday morning worship services at various times during the year.