Child Dedication Service | Garston Community Church

Child Dedication at Garston Community Church

At Garston Community Church, we offer a Child Dedication Service—a sacred ceremony in which parents and carers commit before God, the church family, and the Lord to raise their young children in the ways of faith until they reach the age of consent to choose Christ for themselves. This is aimed at the church family and members, but may also be open to non-members if you can demonstrates a commitment to the Lord

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

The Significance of Dedication

Jesus Was Dedicated to the Lord

Child dedication is a deeply biblical practice, and even our Lord Jesus Christ was dedicated according to Jewish custom. His parents, Mary and Joseph, brought Him to the temple to be consecrated to the Lord as prescribed by the Law of Moses.

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’).” — Luke 2:22–23

At the temple, a righteous man named Simeon, led by the Holy Spirit, took baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God, declaring Him to be the long-awaited salvation of Israel. Also present was the prophetess Anna, who gave thanks to God and spoke of the child to all who looked for redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 2:25–38).

This moment of dedication was not merely a ceremony, but a prophetic confirmation of Jesus’ divine identity and mission. Just as His parents committed Him to God’s purposes from infancy, we too dedicate our children in faith, trusting God to guide and use them for His glory. By dedicating our children, we follow the example of Mary and Joseph—and above all, we follow the example of Christ.

A Covenant with God:

Dedication is not baptism, but a pledge that “this child belongs to the Lord.” Parents publicly acknowledge that their child is God’s gift and promise to nurture them spiritually.

Church Family Support:

The congregation stands alongside parents, promising prayer, encouragement, and guidance as the child grows.

Age of Consent:

We trust that, upon reaching an age of understanding, each child will personally choose to follow Christ (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Biblical Foundation

Hannah’s Dedication of Samuel: “But Hannah spoke, saying, ‘O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and will not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life…’” — 1 Samuel 1:11

Jesus Blessing the Children:

“Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’” — Matthew 19:13–14

What to Expect in the Service

Welcome and Scripture Reading - We gather as a church family, read relevant passages (e.g., Psalm 127:3; Mark 10:16), and explain the meaning of dedication.

Parental Vows - Parents answer questions affirming their commitment to:

  • Teach their child the Scriptures
  • Model Christlike character daily
  • Pray for and protect their child’s faith

Congregational Promise

The church body pledges to support and pray for the child and family.

  • Prayer and Anointing with Oil
  •  The Pastor pray over the child, anointing with oil as a symbol of consecration and blessing (James 5:14)
  • Presentation of Certificate and Holy Candle

Each family receives:

A Certificate of Dedication commemorating this promise .A Holy Candle, lit as a reminder of Christ as the Light of the World and the parents’ role in guiding their child toward Him (John 8:12).

Family Blessing

The service concludes with a final blessing over the child and family.

Parents’ Responsibilities

  • Daily Discipleship:
  • Read Bible stories
  • Pray together, and model a life devoted to Christ (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Church Involvement:

Attend services, children’s ministry, and special classes designed to equip you for raising your child in faith.

Prayerful Dependence:

Lean on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and rely on the church community for support in challenges and celebrations. 

How to Schedule a Dedication

Contact the Church Office or speak to the Pastor on Sunday:

📞 01923 273232

✉ office@garstoncommunitychurch.co.uk

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