What is Baby/Child Dedication?

Baby dedication and child dedication are the act of giving back to God the gift he has given you as parents. It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust, and commitment. The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible.

The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing. Hannah (I Samuel 1:24-28) brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest Eli to dedicate him to the Lord.  Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication.

We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is not passed on to a child through dedication. Parents covenant to raise their children by modeling Godly principles with the desire that one day, their children will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Is dedication the same as infant baptism or christening?

Child dedication is different from infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, at Hillcrest we practice dedication of babies and children.

We believe that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We also believe the Bible teaches that baptism should take place after a person has made a personal choice to follow Jesus Christ.

When & Where is Baby & Child Dedication?

Child dedication is held during one of our Sunday morning worship services. For more information or to schedule your child to be dedicated, contact the Church Office (Office@HillcrestJamestown.com).