Question 1

1. What is Child Dedication?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

2. Who should have their child dedicated?

Accepted Answer

Child Dedication is primarily parents’ publicly dedicating themselves to raise their children in the nurture and love of the Lord, we’ll agree that these three things should be true of the parents: 1. They should be committed Christians. They should have reached a point of believing the Good News – that God invites them to be part of His kingdom, family and mission in this world. They have confidence that Jesus lived and died to pay for their sins and rose from death to give them a new life, that God loves them, and that they can have a growing relationship with God as a free gift of grace. They shouldn’t just be Christian in name – but rather, Christians from the heart, with a sincere personal, committed faith. (If you aren’t sure how to become a committed Christian, please speak with a small group leader or staff member – any of us would be glad to help you take this important step.) 2. They should be involved in the church – either as committed members or as people preparing for membership. 3. They should take seriously their responsibility to raise their children with a strong spiritual foundation. They should be committed to having their children in church, and even more importantly, to making God a part of their daily lives. There are two beautiful passages that describe this type of parenting, one from the Old Testament, and one from the New Testament: Deuteronomy 6:5-7, Deuteronomy 6:4-25, Ephesians 6:4 ​

Question 3

3. As a Parent, What Is Expected of Me?"

Accepted Answer

Dedication is a public expression of faith and commitment on the part of the parents and of blessing on the part of God through His Church. This act by the parents is a prayerful declaration of their stewardship over God’s gracious gift to them. ​ One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16   Child dedication is more than a ritual. It’s a commitment on the part of parents to honor the will and the Word of God. As a part of this dedication, parents are asked to: ​ Recognize that your children belong to God and have been born to experience His love and to serve Him. Pray daily for God’s direction in your lives and in the lives of your children. Faithfully participate in worship with your children. Teach your children the truths of God’s Word in your home. Anticipate and seek to gently lead your children to personal faith in Christ.   And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Question 4

4. Why do we have Dedication for children instead of baptisms?

Accepted Answer

We believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward confession from the scriptural basis found in the book of Acts. Baptism is a personal and powerful decision. Young children under the age of accountability are unable to declare this change. This is why we give our families the opportunity to dedicate their children.

Question 5

5. What kind of commitment am I making?

Accepted Answer

When you present your child to God in the form of a child dedication, you are publicly recognizing that your child belongs to Him and that you will raise the child in a home committed to experiencing and loving Christ. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says this, “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” As Christian parents, you are committing to teaching your child the truth found in God’s word. You are also committing to be a Christ-like example and to lead your children to a personal relationship with Christ.

Question 6

6. Does this ensure salvation for my baby/child?

Accepted Answer

As Parents we cannot decide our child’s salvation for them. Each individual must make their own decision about their relationship with Christ. When a child becomes old enough to understand the concept of sin and their responsibility for that sin before God, they are then ready to make a decision about salvation. This age of understanding is not a pre-determined age, it is when the child has a true understanding and is able to express that understanding of their faith in Jesus as their Savior, even in a childlike way (Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:14-15, Luke 18:17). Parents can, however, lay a foundation by their teaching and example that will help a child be ready to make that most important decision.

Question 7

7. Is it the same as baptism?

Accepted Answer

This dedication is not a Baptism, and it does not impart salvation to the child. Baby Dedications are viewed as a confirmation between the parents and the church to raise the child in a Godly way until the child is old enough to make his/her decision in accepting Christ as his/her personal Savior. The dedication of Children is taught in the Bible. As a baby, Jesus was dedicated by his parents. Jesus also bestowed blessings on the children. (Mark 10:16)

Question 8

8. Do I have to be a member of Quest Church to participate in Baby Dedication?

Accepted Answer

No, Baby Dedication is open to both regular attendees and members.

Question 9

9. Can I bring my child to the orientation class with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may bring your child.

Question 10

10. What does my baby/child have to wear on that Sunday?

Accepted Answer

There is no requirement or custom that we adhere to at The Hills. Some families take this opportunity and dress up their child in a nice dress or suit. This is a special day in the life of your child to be remembered (and photographed).

Question 11

11. What should we wear for the dedication service?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to wear whatever you would like. Parents and children have worn anything ranging from casual clothes to formal dresses or suits.

Question 12

12. What should we expect from the Child Dedication class?

Accepted Answer

You will receive valuable information on what it means to bring your child up with Christian beliefs, along with practical application to help you navigate your journey with your child. Your child will receive a Jesus Storybook Bible and a certificate to celebrate this important occasion. Parent(s) will receive video resources.

Question 13

13. How long does the dedication last?

Accepted Answer

The ceremony itself is rather short, lasting a few minutes.

Question 14

14. Can a Single parent participate in a child dedication service?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Child dedication signifies the commitment of parents (including single parents) to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Additionally, we highly encourage single parents to dedicate their child as they commit themselves to raise him or her without the presence or partnership of a spouse. The decision to dedicate a child is not dependent upon the beliefs of the ex-spouse; however we encourage single parents to discuss child dedication with their ex-spouse. Ideally, both parents—even if not married—would still commit to the dedication of their child to God. We acknowledge that this is often not possible and that it takes extra effort for a single parent to raise a child. As a church, Christ Fellowship is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.

Question 15

15. What is the age limit on Baby Dedication?

Accepted Answer

Newborn to Preschool.

Question 16

16. Who should I invite?

Accepted Answer

Everyone. Especially close friends and family. Grandparents and any other family members will be recognized as vital roles in the life of this child.

Question 17

17. How does the actual dedication work?

Accepted Answer

During the "Meet & Greet" families will come up to the front. It can be just parents and other kids. Grandparents or other influential people in your child's life are also welcome to join you at the front. (Parents will have time to get their kids from the kids classrooms if necessary). Once the Meet/Greet is over, families will remain standing while the congregation is seated. Families will face the pastor. The pastor will read several scriptures about parenting and then provide a few words of admonition. Then she/he will say, "Parents, by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your son/daughter to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying - we do." Parents will respond with "We do." She/He will then speak to the congregation and charge them as a community to provide support and prayer. The dedication will conclude with a prayer of blessing. Each family will receive a small gift and then return to their seats.  On the day of dedication, we will meet with the parents 15 minutes before the service in order to explain where everyone will stand and to talk through the dedication time.

Question 18

18. Are there any requirements?

Accepted Answer

Since we adhere to historical essentials of Christianity found from cover to cover in the Bible, we invite Christian parents who are married (man and woman) to present their children to the Lord as a couple. Due to the commitment being made in a child dedication, unmarried couples are unable to participate. If you would like personal guidance with this, please contact Marc Rondeau at marc.avlifechurch@gmail.com.

Question 19

19. What if I am not married?

Accepted Answer

A single parent is welcome to present his or her child to the Lord individually, provided that they are committed to doing their best to raise their child to be a follower of Christ.

Question 20

20. Can parent(s) assign godparents?

Accepted Answer

We do welcome parents to invite friends and family members committed to supporting them. The presence of these significant adults symbolizes their commitment to play a supportive role in the child’s spiritual development. The godparent or godparents make profession of faith for the person being baptized (the godchild) and assume an obligation to serve as proxies for the parents if the parents either are unable or neglect to provide for the religious training of the child, in fulfillment of baptismal promises.

Question 21

21. How many people can I invite?

Accepted Answer

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other special people are encouraged to attend. We want you to feel free to invite as many of your family and friends as you'd like.

Question 22

22. Who is invited to the platform?

Accepted Answer

To make the dedication sentimental to each family, we would like to invite the immediate family of the child to join him or her on the stage during this event.

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