COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING BABY DEDICATIONS
WHO CAN BE DEDICATED?
Baby dedications are for children, 0-7 years of age. Crossroads Church baby dedications are for our church families who want to commit before God and the church that they will raise their child in a Biblical manner.
IS BABY DEDICATION THE SAME AS BABY BAPTISM?
No. Some church traditions teach that children of believing Christian families are to be baptized. We believe that baptism is for those who have repented of their sins and have trusted Christ as their Savior. Since a baby is unable to understand their need for repentance, we do not practice infant baptism.
WHY DO WE DEDICATE CHILDREN?
Our biblical example of baby dedications is found in Luke 2:22-32, when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God. Each child is a gift from God. As you dedicate them, you are “giving your children back to the Lord” and entrusting them to His care. Baby Dedications are a time for Christian parents to make a commitment to God, their family, and the rest of the local congregation, that they will raise their children in a way that honors God.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PARENTS?
Because baby dedication is a commitment from the parents to raise their children in a God-honoring way, our baby dedications are limited to children with at least one parent who is born again. We do not dedicate children whose parents are unmarried and yet live together. The Scriptures make very clear God’s command that the sexual union is to be exclusively reserved for the institution of marriage. Once the couple is married, we will happily dedicate their child(ren). Also, if you are unmarried but not living together, we allow only one parent on stage for the dedication ceremony. Though we believe God can bring good out of every situation, it is our responsibility as a church to uphold a standard that is in line with God’s Word. If you are unsure what it means to be born again, or have any other questions about these requirements, we would be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. You can call the church office at (337) 234-4308.
WHAT DO BABY DEDICATIONS LOOK LIKE?
We have baby dedications during each of our Sunday services. After our time of worship, we will ask the parents and children, as well as extended family members, to come and stand in front of the congregation. At that time, a video with each child’s picture and name origin will play. Then our pastor will ask for a verbal commitment from the parents, as well as the congregation, to be an example of Godliness that the children can follow as they grow. He will then pray a prayer of blessing over the parents, children, and family members.
WHEN ARE BABY DEDICATIONS HELD?
We have baby dedication once per season on a Sunday in February, May, August, and November. The deadline to register your child(ren) and turn in pictures, is no later than the Friday 4 weeks prior to the date of dedication. Photos can be dropped off here at the church during office hours, emailed to debbie@mycrossroads.org, or dropped at the Information Center during any of our service times. Please submit an individual photo of each child that will be dedicated and label the photo with your child’s name.
