Child Dedication FAQs

What is a child dedication?

A child dedication is a special time that Manchester Christian Church offers for families to publicly declare their intention to raise their child to love and honor God. In the dedication ceremony parents acknowledge that their children belong to God and the whole congregation promises to help nurture their spiritual lives.

What does the dedication experience look like?

Parents and children are invited on stage. The speaker (usually Frank) will describe dedications and will then ask both the parents and the church family a few questions and will close in prayer.

What is the difference between a baptism and dedication?

In the Old Testament part of the Bible, first born baby boys were consecrated to the Lord by their parents (Exodus 13:2). In the New Testament, all of our children are holy and belong to God (1Corinthians 7:14). The dedication of a child is a public recognition by parents that their child belongs to God. Baptism, on the other hand, expresses a personal decision to follow Jesus and live for God. Baptism is therefore reserved for the day when our children are old enough to declare their personal belief in Jesus as their Leader and Forgiver (Acts 2:37-41, 8:12, 18:8, Romans 6:1-4, 1 Peter 3:21).

Does a child dedication secure my child’s eternity?

Our children belong to God and are loved by God (Luke 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 7:14) but as they mature they must decide for themselves if they will accept God’s gift of forgiveness and live their lives to honor him.

When does Manchester Christian Church offer child dedications?

Manchester Christian Church sets aside Mother’s Day as a special time for parents to publicly declare that their children belong to God.

If Mother’s Day will not work for me, is their another option?

Yes, arrangements can be made with the Elders to provide another opportunity to dedicate your child. If you wish to have us set up a separate time for the elders to provide a child dedication, simply click the option below and check the box indicating a separate time other than Mother’s Day. We will be in touch with you within a few weeks to arrange that time.

How do I sign up to be a part of the Mother’s Day child dedication?

Click here, complete the form and click submit. This form will be emailed to our Family Ministry Team Leader who will add your name to the list for the next dedication service. You will be notified about 7-10 days prior to Mother’s Day to go over any details.