Child Dedication

What is Child Dedication?

Child Dedication is a ceremony whereby God’s blessing is formally invoked upon the children, and when parents publicly commit themselves to raise the children in accordance with the teaching of scripture.

Purpose and Significance

God has called parents to bring up their children to know Him. It is the parents’ responsibility to oversee the spiritual training of their children. The greatest commission of Christian parents is to encourage their children to know and accept Jesus Christ as the Savior, forgiver, and leader of their life.

Service Details

Parents and immediate family are invited on stage where the pastor(s) will place the sign of the cross on the children's foreheads, dedicating them to the Lord in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The congregation, extended family and friends will join in the celebration through their applause as well as accepting their responsibility in the nurturing of the children.

Upcoming Events

What the Scripture Says

Both the Old and New Testaments show scriptural support for Child Dedication. In 1 Samuel 1:27-28, we read of Hannah bringing Samuel to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord and in Luke 2:22, Jesus was presented at the temple.

Community Support

The church family, extended family members, and close friends are invited to witness and support parents (through prayer and instruction) in their commitment to oversee the spiritual training of their children.

Scheduling Information

Child Dedications are held 2-3 times a year and registration is on the website. Pastor(s) will contact you and give you the details of participation.

FAQs

What is the appropriate age for child dedication?

While child dedication can be done up to the age of 12, typically it is performed on infants and toddlers.

Is child dedication the same as baptism?

Child dedication is a commitment by parents to raise their child in a Christ-centered home, whereas baptism is a personal decision to publicly declare one’s faith in Jesus.
‍
In Matthew 19:13-14 and Mark 10:13-16, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, laid His hands on them, and prayed for them. However, Jesus did not baptize them and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. Baptism is designated for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation; therefore, it is the request of the pastoral staff at the Church of Rancho Bernardo that children wait until they are 12 years old to be baptized.

Can single parents participate in child dedication?

Absolutely. Single parents are encouraged to dedicate their child, committing to raise them in the faith community.