In Deuteronomy 6:5-9, God describes how parents should raise up their child. It states that we are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (NLT). In dedicating your child, you are declaring before the church congregation that you, as the parent, are committing to nurture your child in the ways of God and entrusting Him with your child’s future.

You do not need to be a member of Emmanuel Christian Center, but we do encourage families to make sure they are calling Emmanuel their church home. In dedicating your child to God, you are stating that you are willing to partner with God AND the church in raising your child for the Lord. While we wholeheartedly believe that parents serve as the primary spiritual authority in their child’s life, we believe the church plays a vital role in your child’s faith story as well. Because of this, we ask that parents be in accordance with the following statements:

• Parents dedicating their child(ren) have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Parents dedicating their child(ren) ensure their beliefs line up with Emmanuel’s beliefs.
• Parents dedicating their child(ren) are regular attenders of Emmanuel’s weekend services.
• Parents dedicating their child(ren) commit to model personal purity and lead by example in matters of faith and conduct. Because of this, parents who are living together and who are not married should take steps to acknowledge and surrender to God’s plan for their relationship before participating in a child dedication service.

Yes! Child Dedication signifies the commitment of parents (including single parents) to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Christ. Additionally, we highly encourage single parents to dedicate their child as they commit to raise him or her without the presence or partnership of a spouse. The decision to dedicate a child is not dependent upon the beliefs of the ex-spouse; however, we encourage single parents to discuss child dedication with their ex-spouse. Ideally, both parents – even if not married – would still commit to the dedication of their child to God. We acknowledge that this is often not possible, and that it takes extra effort for a single parent to raise a child. As a church, Emmanuel is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.

Genesis 1:27 Isaiah 53:6 Romans 3:23 Isaiah 59:1-2 Psalm 139:13-16 Colossians 2:13-15

No. We believe that a child must be old enough to understand what it means to put their faith in Jesus Christ before they can be baptized. In Luke 2, Joseph and Mary take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to “present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). In following this practice, Emmanuel encourages parents to dedicate their children as a way to acknowledge that their child is a gift from God and vow to set a godly example in their home. The Child Dedication Service is rather an opportunity for you as parents to publically declare that you want to raise your child to develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ as they continue to mature and grow in their faith.

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and no one else. Salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our good works or of any human effort.

Matthew 1:22, 23 Isaiah 9:6 John 1:1-5, 14:6 Hebrews 4:14-15 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Romans 1:3-4 Acts 1:9-11 Ephesians 2:8-9 Colossians 2:9-10 1 Timothy 6:14-15

No! We believe that a child can participate in dedications at any age. While most parents dedicate their child between four to eight months, we welcome many families that may have older children.

John 3:16, 14:17 Romans 6:23 Revelation 20:15 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 25:31-34, 41

The Child Dedication ceremony will take place in the sanctuary during the service for which you’ve registered. Following our morning worship, one of our pastors will call parents to the platform to recognize all the children being dedicated. Each family will be led in a prayer of dedication and personal covenant before heading back to their seats. At that time, you may check your child into our Kids Ministry for the remainder of the service.

In addition to the service in the sanctuary, Emmanuel provides a gift upon check-in and a photo booth area for friends and family to commemorate this special day.

Matthew 3:16-17, 28:18-20 Acts 2:41, 8:12 Romans 6:4 Colossians 2:12

This is great time to celebrate a family’s commitment to Christ, so we encourage you to bring as many family and friends as you like! We encourage you, as parents, to invite specific individuals that that can play a vital role in your child’s life. As you widen your circle of influence, these people can hold you accountable to the commitment you are making, give you advice on parenting, and speak into the life of your child. During the service, however, only the immediate family will be asked to come on stage.

Whatever you and your little one will feel most comfortable in! Some people dress casually in jeans, while others wear more formal attire.