Answers to Questions on CHILD DEDICATION

Baby dedication, while not mandated by Scripture, is a culturally relevant practice applying Biblical principles regarding parenting and church life.

Baby dedication is an act where parents recognize their children as belonging to the Lord and commit to raising them according to Christian principles. This includes acknowledging that God entrusts everything, including their children, to them. By dedicating their children, parents vow before the Lord and the congregation to nurture their children in the teachings of Jesus Christ, as instructed in Ephesians 6:4. This vow is not to be taken lightly, as Ecclesiastes 5:5 warns against making vows that are not fulfilled. 

Not Conversion:
Dedicating a child does not make them a Christian. The child must make that decision independently when they reach the age of accountability.

Not Baptism:
Baby dedication is not a substitute for baptism, a step of obedience for believers who consciously commit to Jesus Christ. There is no Biblical evidence supporting infant baptism.

At Restoration Church, dedications occur during Saturday Night and Sunday Morning services. We ask that the family arrive a few minutes early on the dedication day and find seats near the front. Of course, feel free to invite friends and family to join this special occasion. During the service, the Pastor will ask your immediate family to come to the platform, say a few words, and say a prayer of dedication over you and your child. A dedication certificate is then given to the parents.

If one parent is committed to the Lord and the other is not, consider the seriousness of the dedication. Discuss your beliefs about God and the commitment involved. If you decide to proceed with the dedication, you can complete the Child Dedication Form on our website (restchurch.org) or contact the Church office for assistance. Once scheduled, you will receive a detailed confirmation.