Baby Dedications at Montclair Community Church
Why Do We Dedicate Children to the Lord?
- To Celebrate the Gift of God
One of God’s greatest gifts is the birth of a child. The dedication of children to God is an acknowledgement of His blessing and a celebration of His goodness. “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord…”(Psalm 127:3) “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…” (Jas. 1:17) The birth of a child is one the most significant events of life, and it is fitting that we should recognize its significance in a ceremony that honors God as the Author of life and blessing.
- To Follow the Pattern of Scripture
It was the biblical pattern for parents to bring newborn children to the house of God to present them in dedication to the Lord. A beautiful illustration of this is Hannah dedicating Samuel to the Lord.
“For this boy I have prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition I have asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord…” (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Jesus, Himself, was presented to the Lord in dedication by His parents.
“…they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord…and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, according to the custom of the Law, then he [Simeon] took him into his arms and blessed God…” (Luke 2:22, 27)
Dedicating a child to God not only acknowledges that the child is a gift from God, but also that the child belongs to God. Parents are entrusted with the sacred stewardship and responsibility to lovingly care for this child and to train this child in accordance with the Word of God.
- To Consecrate the Parents
In a baby dedication, not only are the parents dedicating a child to the Lord, but they are dedicating themselves to God. They are consecrating themselves to the responsibility of raising this child in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Parents are consecrating themselves to do all in their power to lead this child in the ways of God, and to faith in Christ. They are committing themselves to provide a loving and faith-filled environment in the home, and to be a godly example to this child. They are trusting God for the grace to be loving and Christ-honoring parents.
“We will not hide these truths from our children, but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord. We will…teach them to our children…so each generation can set its hope anew on God…” (Psalm 77:4-7, NLT)
“Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it” (Proverbs 22:6, NLT)
- To Invoke God’s Favor and Blessing
Jesus had a special love for children. Jesus Himself said:
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me”(Matt. 18:5).
Parents constantly brought their children to Jesus so that He might touch them, bless them and pray for them.
“Parents brought their children to Jesus so that He could touch them and bless them… Then He took the children into His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them” (Mark 10:13, 16, NLT)
Likewise, when we dedicate children to God, we are asking Jesus to touch their lives, to pray for them, and to bless them. At the same time, we are asking God to give to the parents the wisdom, grace and guidance they need to provide a loving, Christ-honoring home for this child. In your responsibility as parents, God gives you some wonderful promises of His provision and power.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5).
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Phil. 1:6)
“God who calls you [to parenthood] is faithful; He will do this” (1 Thess. 5:24, NLT)
- To Support You As Your Church
We’re committed to equipping you with the tools and support you need to build children with character, vision, and Christian values. As a church, we seek to provide a climate that will remind you and your family each week of the grace and goodness of God, and show our love and support.
What Should I Do If I Want to Have My Child Dedicated?
- We schedule baby dedications several times a year. Check with the pastor to find out when the next baby dedication will be scheduled, or call the church office.
- Baby dedications take place during our regular Sunday morning service, usually just before the message.
- Feel free to invite friends and relatives to the worship service on the Sunday of the baby dedication. Seats can be saved if you make arrangements with the church office in advance.
- Flash photography is acceptable as long as it doesn’t disrupt the service.
- You should submit the following information to the church office: full name of child, name of the parents, date of birth, hospital where the child was born, and a photo of the baby (digital, if possible).
“Permit the children to come to me. Do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all” (Mark 10:14-15)