Why do we dedicate children?
Acknowledging God’s Gift:
Child dedication acknowledges that children are a precious gift from God, and parents are stewards, entrusted with raising them in a way that honors God.
- Public Commitment:
It’s a public declaration of the parents’ commitment to raise their children in the faith, seeking God’s guidance and support in their parenting journey.
- Seeking God’s Blessing:Parents express their desire for God to bless their children and guide them in their lives, entrusting them to God’s care and protection
- Community Involvement:
Child dedication is often a community event, inviting family and church members to join in prayer and support for the parents and the child.
- Not a Guarantee of Salvation:It’s important to note that child dedication is not a sacrament or a guarantee of a child’s salvation, which is a personal choice
- Biblical Basis:The practice of dedicating children to God has roots in the Old Testament, with examples like Hannah dedicating Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27-28) and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-35