What do we do to publicly acknowledge our gratitude and commitment to the Lord in receiving and raising our children? The New Testament does not give straightforward directions, although it does tell of an event in the life of Jesus which provides a helpful and instructive pattern to follow in dedicating our children to the Lord.

Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,’ After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.” – Matthew 19.13-15

There are many things to notice about this that are instructive for baby dedication.

FIRST, we bring our babies to Jesus as an expression of our own faith in Him. Parents who dedicate their babies to the Lord are doing this in an expression of their own faith, rather than out of obligation from religion. Just as Jesus did, we lay our hands on these babies and we also pray for them, believing that this will have a great impact on them.
This is not an empty ritual but an act of greater significance and power. To preserve the integrity and meaning of this event, we ask that the parents be married and both have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We also dedicate babies of single moms and dads. Children of single parents who are living with a partner (not married, as defined by the Bible) cannot be dedicated at Compelled Church.

SECOND, we bring our babies to Jesus in the context of a church body who affirms their worth, providing an environment where they can come to know Jesus. It’s interesting that many in the world, view children as more of a burden than a blessing. But Jesus affirmed the worth of the children and some harsh words for his proud disciples. His command, “Do not hinder them from coming to me,” applies to all those who will surround the parents at this important event.

THIRD, we bring our babies to Jesus accepting the awesome responsibility He has given us as parents. Jesus did not keep the children, but He handed them to their parents as a demonstration that the care of these children belonged to them. The baby dedication, in the same way, the parents offer their children to the Lord, but the stewardship of their little life remains in their hands.
 

Believing and dedicating your child is a covenant made between the parents/guardians and God, it is our purpose that you approach this decision as a sacred and serious commitment. As parent/guardian of the child you are planning to dedicate, you will need to read over the following vows that you will be responsible for in raising your child, and agree to these in the form below.

1. Live for God in front of your children
2. Tell your children about Jesus Christ and His love and Salvation for us
3. Keep your children in Church
4. Claim the promises of God’s Word over your children

As well as filling out the baby dedication form, we would also like families to submit pictures of their child to be dedicated.
During the ceremony,  there will be a picture presentation of your child.
You can submit up to 15 pictures.
We ask that you submit these picture by emailing our Graphic Designer a week prior to your child’s dedication.

Please read through the information above before filling out the form. We will contact you to confirm the dedication and whether the date requested is available.