Baby Dedication

We are so excited that you are ready to take the next step in your child’s faith. Here at Lighthouse we do not baptize infants or toddlers who have not yet reached an age of being able to fully articulate an understanding of their baptism decision.

We see in the Bible where Jesus welcomes the children, "Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," Luke 18:16, exemplifying that His Word, salvation and faith is extended to children and children are able to receive that grace from Him. 

With that being said, we do see examples of children being dedicated back to the Lord. A Baby Dedication is a service in which parents offer praise and thanksgiving for their child, and it symbolizes giving their child back to God. It is a public commitment you make before God, your church, and your family. We see examples of this in the story of Hannah found in 1 Samuel. Specifically, in 1 Samuel 1:27-28, Hannah, in thanksgiving and appreciation of God answering her prayer for a child, vowed to give her son, Samuel, back to God as long as he lived. We also see Jesus being presented to God when Mary and Joseph took him to Jerusalem when he was a boy.

Christian parents who dedicate a child are making a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise the child in a godly way, prayerfully until he or she can make a decision on his or her own to follow God. Parents who make this vow of commitment are instructed to raise the child in the ways of God, and not according to their own ways. Some of the responsibilities include teaching and training the child in God's Word, demonstrating an example of godliness, disciplining according to God's ways, praying earnestly for the child, and setting an example of the covenant of marriage. 

Please Note: Because we believe baby dedication to be more about the parents than the infant, it is not our practice to dedicate children of parents who are living together but not married. Obviously, special circumstances may apply such as single parent, divorced, widowed, etc. If you have a special circumstance, please contact the church office. We would love to talk with you.

Baby dedication is primarily for Christians who believe in the function of baby dedication. This is why we do not dedicate children of parent(s) who do not have a working relationship with Jesus Christ.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

•  Baby dedications are usually conducted about once per quarter.
•  Keep in mind that you may be one of several dedications that day.
•  Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the service so that you can get a seat on the floor level that gives you easy access to exit to the stage when called. 
• All of our dedications are conducted according to our basic service guidelines and without special music, photos, or videos.
• You are more than welcome to have family members stand with you and also take as many pictures and videos as you’d like.