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Child Dedication Guide & Form

Please use the arrows in the calendar below to view the next scheduled Child Dedication.

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Child Dedication

If you would like to dedicate your child, please use the following guide and form to submit your information at least one week before the dedication service.

Does the Bible say I have to dedicate my child?
No. Unlike baptism and communion, scripture does not require Christians to participate in Child Dedications. Other church traditions place a high emphasis on baptizing or christening their infants. CCC, however, does not observe this practice because of our conviction that baptism is reserved for individuals who are voluntarily and willing to profess their own faith in Christ.

So why should I dedicate my child?
CCC practices Child Dedications because...
  1. It honors Jesus Christ as the Giver of Life and Head of the Home.
  2. It expresses an intentional commitment on behalf of the parent (s) to raise their child under the grace, love and truth of Christ Jesus.
  3. It is a joyful occasion for the church as they celebrate what God has done in your family.
  4. It invites the church community to support the parents in discipleship through prayer, mentorship, encouragement, and Christian education.
  5. It is a witness to those who observe the dedication who are not yet saved. We thank God for parents who desire to raise their children under the Lordship of Christ.
  6. It is not mandated, but modeled in scripture.

For example, in 1 Samuel 1, Hannah, upon giving birth to her son Samuel, dedicated him to the Lord. In Luke 2, Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the temple to dedicate Him to the Lord. In both instances, the parents demonstrated their recognition that their child ultimately belonged to God, and was a gift God had entrusted them with. Furthermore, we find evidence of what Christian parents are committing to in scriptural texts such as Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 78, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6, and many more.

Are there requirements to dedicate my child at CCC?
Yes. Below are the main requirements you should consider before participating in the next Child Dedication. If you feel that you do not meet these requirements or have further questions, please contact a CCC pastor or elder so they can help you meet them.
  1. The parent(s) must be personally committed to following and loving Christ. How can one commit to raising their child with the Gospel when not living according to the Gospel themselves?
  2. The parent(s) must be willing to cultivate a Christ-pleasing environment within their home. One of our pastors would love to speak with you if you feel that your home would not reflect this. If you are married, please know that CCC understands marriage, as shown in Scripture, to be between a man and a woman.
  3. While membership at CCC is not a requirement, you should feel comfortable with CCC's beliefs, structures, and ministry as the child dedication is a reflection of your family's place here at Coryell Community Church.

What happens at the Child Dedication?

Pre-Service:
Child Dedications generally occur near the beginning of a worship service. We ask that you arrive shortly before the service starts and find a seat near the front closest to the stage and steps.
Introduction:
The pastor will introduce each family and ask them to join him on the platform while making a brief statement about the purpose of Child Dedications.
Pastoral Encouragement:
The pastor will give the parent(s) a brief word of encouragement on raising their child in a Christ-centered home.

Parent/Church Covenant: Here the Pastor will ask you to affirm the following covenant (located also on the screens & worship guide).
  • Parent: I/We will treat my child's life as a gift from God.
  • Church: Your child is a gift from God.

  • Parent: I/We will make Jesus the foundation of our home.
  • Church: Your home will stand on Christ alone.

  • Parent: I/We will teach my child about the truth and grace of Jesus.
  • Church: Your words about Jesus will not go to waste.

  • Parent: I/We will model the love of Christ as Christ first loved me.
  • Church: The love of Christ never fails.

  • Parent: I/We will pray for our child to know and follow Christ.
  • Church: We will celebrate when they do.

Pastoral Prayer: The pastor will then pray a prayer of blessing.


Child Information

Parent(s) Information

If both parents will be present, please provide information for BOTH.
If not, information for at least one parent is required.

Father

Mother