So you have had a baby or have a baby on the way. You are thinking back and have memories of families presenting their babies at church. Maybe your family has a long history of christening their children (Christening is another name for baby baptism). Here at New Hope we believe in the practice of Parent-Child Dedications. This concept is born out of these verses in 1 Samuel.
“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NLT)
Here we read Hannah's prayer, recognizing that her child is a gift from God and committing him back to the Lord. She is dedicating both herself and Samuel unto God.
Parent-Child Dedications are a public recognition of the parent’s commitment to create a safe environment where they will lead their child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As their child gets older, the parent is best positioned to guide and help them understand what this means to become a follower of Jesus Christ.
Parent-Child Dedications are NOT infant baptisms. New Hope believes that when people are old enough to understand what it means to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they should have the opportunity to make that choice for them-selves. Furthermore, there is no “saving grace” attached to this ceremony. It is simply a statement of intent and desire.
Parent-Child Dedication Sunday is a time for family and friends to show their support and intention to help parents with their commitment to their children. Parent-Child Dedication Sundays are scheduled periodically throughout the year during our Sunday services.
Parent Dedication Sundays generally include:
Presentation and prayer in front of the whole congregation.
A parent reading a blessing over their child.
Photos taken of the family.
Parents dedicating their children should be comfortable answering "yes" to the following questions:
Do you acknowledge your child as a gift from God? Psalm 127:3 (NlT) Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Do you commit to live a godly life before your child so that he or she will have an example to follow? Proverbs 22:6 (NlT) Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Do you commit to give your child opportunity to hear the Good News of God’s love, so that he or she will be able to respond through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? Matthew 19:14 (NlT) But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”
Do you commit to raise your child in a way that teaches them to grow in their love for Jesus Christ?
Are you interested in a Parent-Child Dedication? Fill out this form.
Or if you have more questions contact LeRoy - leroy.lee@newhopepdx.org, 503-908-5889