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Most churches have been hosting Baby Dedication ceremonies in exactly the same way for decades. One or more families would stand in the front of the church at the beginning of a service where a pastor would pray over the child and family along with the support and encouragement of everyone watching. The experience is simple and predictable, but it is still meaningful for everyone involved. However, we have a unique opportunity to re-invent the Baby Dedication for the next generation, breathing new life into a very special experience. For those denominations that practice infant baptism, water is involved, and infants become members of the church when they are baptized. Churches that practice this form of baptism view it as a sacrament of the church.
Family and family friends have a significant influence. It is the responsibility of family and friends to hold parents accountable and encourage parents in both their marriage relationship and efforts to spiritually train their children. I have to say, however, that the best baby dedication ceremony was at my daughters church a few years ago. The ceremony was for our grandson and it was much different than I had ever experienced prior.
Baby Dedication Ceremony
Even the best of us will struggle, especially when it comes to raising children! It is heartbreaking when we see families honestly trying their best to raise children in a godly home, then make mistakes, and feel judged for it. It is far worse when they actually are being judged for it.
I am trying to create a ceremony that is both memorable and effective. This is a discussion post about church practices of baby dedication. These four free resources are compliments of Let’s Worship Magazine.
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You can explore the practice of Baby Dedication, what it means, and the responsibilities involved in Baby Dedication at About.com. This post brings together all the information I have found helpful concerning dedicating children to the Lord. If you know of other resources – please leave a comment so I can keep this list up to date. It is hoped that this page has helped you recognize the extent of this commitment that you will be making. Here are some frequently asked questions that may help you with your decision. Then an elder prays these words individually over each child being dedicated.
My older daughter’s baby dedication party back in 2016 was a huge shindig for our family. I went all out with decorations, guest activities, fun foods, party favors, and more. When it came time to plan a dedication reception for my second daughter, I felt I needed to put as much effort, creativity, and love into the planning of my younger daughter’s baby dedication party. Christening, or infant baptism, is common in Catholic churches.
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We, as Christians, have a tremendous responsibility given to us when the Lord blesses us with a child. By doing so, He entrusts us with the responsibility of raising that child in the way of the Lord and establishing early in his life, a foundation built upon Jesus Christ. Here’s the picture of the table we set up, including instructions for guests to pick their favorite baby dedication scriptures. I got the idea from here, where guests signed a Bible for a happy couple on their wedding day. We are careful to make this a time of commitment and prayer.
The following list are common questions and concerns that some parents may have regarding a baby dedication. If the parents are both Christian and wish to raise their children in a godly home I believe that they will want the dedication as soon as possible after birth. However, if the parents are only recent converts and their children are already a bit older, it’s really never too late to have a dedication. For many couples, a baby dedication is an essential ceremony that welcomes new life to the Church. Our baby dedication guide should help you learn what to expect when it comes to Biblical Scripture and prayer during the process. I am the widower of a Minister, who agrees with your approach to this order of service for a baby blessing service.
Have the wife hold the baby as the family comes forward. During the service, the wife will pass the child to the father for the vow of dedication; the father holding the child during this time symbolizes that the husband is the family's spiritual head. Afterwards, the father is then able to pass the baby to the pastor for the prayer of dedication. Parents standing before God and church family to promise to raise their child to love and honor Him is perhaps the most critical moment in the parent’s life. The parents are not the only ones to promise God at the baby dedication; the family and friends in the congregation also vow to help them raise their children in a way that brings Him glory. The Baby Dedication ceremony is an important milestone for many families who want to prioritize faith in the developmental and spiritual journey of their children.
We are to do the most we can to "set apart" our children to God until the day that they can make their own choice. By dedicating your children to the Lord, you are making a vow to raise them in His ways. The following is a list ; of some of the things parents do as part of keeping their vows.
We want them to see parenting as a divine responsibility. The practices of infant baptism and baby dedication may seem similar, but they hold different theological implications. I grew up with artwork on my wall that had significant bible verses printed on them. These are still the verses that God brings to my mind often throughout my day. Today I have a bible verse in every room of my house to always keep His word in front of my children’s eyes. Christian parents make a promise to God to raise their children in the knowledge of God, His Word, and in prayer.
There will be obstacles of course and many times we are the main obstacle. Once we dedicate our child and ourselves to God’s purpose for our family, it is important to keep our own priorities right with him. I suppose it would be a very good time to have a family dinner to thank all the relatives who stood with you and who have committed to helping. And it is always a good idea to frame the certificate of the day and hang in the bedroom.
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