The service of dedication provides an opportunity for parents to commit themselves to the Lord in the care and training of their children. Members of the congregation join with the parents in pledging to pray for and to nurture the children."

"Christians seek to develop a home life marked by love, understanding, and nurture. All forms of domestic violence and abuse are inconsistent
with Christian living... Loving discipline of children and a cooperative spirit in the economic, social, and spiritual planning of the home are of vital importance."

We do not baptize children until they are old enough to make a decision to follow Jesus themselves. We believe that scripture teaches adult baptism.

The Child Dedication Commitment
Pastor says: Just as children were welcomed by Jesus, so they are welcome as part of this Church. As a member of a family in this body, they are an integral part of us. They should receive blessings from us, learn their mission from us, and experience fellowship with us. As parents bring their little ones in presentation to the Lord, we covenant as a congregation to surround the child and the family with the support of the people of God. In this rite today, parents publicly commit themselves to provide a home in which their child/children will grow up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and where they/he/she will learn about Jesus Christ and his ways. A home where they will be encouraged to receive him as Savior and Lord of their life! The parent’s are the child’s primary pastor and the greatest influence for good and righteousness in their life. The congregation will also be asked to share in the raising of these/this child/children. To provide a supportive community by giving of their love, time, talents, and whatever it takes to help these children be raised to follow the Lord.
Parents come forward with children

Friends, this is a happy occasion! Like Mary and Hannah in the Scriptures, you have brought your child in an act of presentation and dedication to the Lord. God has blessed you with this life. In this act of dedication you recognize the seriousness of this trust and its obligations. The scriptures state:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. a 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.

This scripture teaches us that parents should constantly and consistently speak about the Lord to their Children. Prayer, Bible study, Christian fellowship, and service in the Church should be present in the home for the children to see regularly. In fact, scripture promises what will happen if you do raise a child in this environment:
Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

Minister says: Parents, almighty God has been gracious to you in giving you the gift of these children/this child. Do you now present your child before God in dedication?

Parents say: We do.

Minister says: Is it your purpose to bring up your child in the ways of the Lord?

Parents say: It is.

Minister says: Will you continue to love the child God has given you consistently, and if you are currently married, will you continue to love your spouse, all so that he/she will experience the meaning of trust and grace?

Parents say: We will.

Minister says: Will you endeavor to provide a Christian home and atmosphere for your child? Will you teach him/her in the Christian faith and way, surround him/her with Christian influences through the Church and other relationships, and encourage him/her to faith in Jesus Christ?

Parents say: With God’s help, we will.

Ministers says to the congregation: Congregation, I charge you as members and friends to accept this child/these children into the life of the congregation and to share the responsibility for their nurture in Christ. As a response of faith and commitment, will you all promise to love and support, bring direction and meaning, and embrace this child/children so they may experience the power of God in their lives? If so, please respond by saying we will.

Congregation says: WE WILL!

Minister says to children: We – your pastor and your parents – before this congregation
dedicate you to God and to the service of his kingdom, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit