At Victory, we believe children are a gift from the Lord, and we believe that parents have the greatest impact and influence in their child’s life. So then, what happens at home is very important. It is our desire to partner with you as we encourage and equip you to be godly parents through this journey as you seek to raise your child to one day know, love and serve Jesus Christ.

What Is Child Dedication?

The word "dedication" means "to consecrate" or the act of setting apart people or things to serve God.

In the Old Testament, we see how Hannah prayed for a child and promised God that the child, Samuel, would be given to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11, 28). In the New Testament, we see how Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to "present" Him to the Lord (Luke 2:22).

Just as Moses called for wholehearted commitment, we as a church are calling you the parent(s) to a wholehearted commitment as instructed in Deuteronomy 6:5-9,

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

A Parent's Commitment

Child dedication is a public commitment that you make before God, your church, and your family. The dedication service provides you, the parent(s), an opportunity to express publicly your desire to lead and spiritually nurture your child in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, so your child will develop a desire to love God and love others. As the spiritual leaders in your child’s life, the dedication of your child is only the beginning of a lifelong journey you will take as a family. If you want your child to love the Lord, follow the Lord, make godly decisions, and obey the Lord, then YOU need to love the Lord, follow the Lord, and obey the Lord.

Faith is caught as much as it is taught. Modeling faith in your life and working it into the rhythms of your home is more influential than anything the church can do. Parents have much more influence in a child’s life than any church program.

When you dedicate your child, you make a settled decision to entrust your child to God. This is both your acknowledgement of God’s claim on your child’s life as Creator and Saviour and is also an act of submission on your part. You are saying you understand that your child is ultimately accountable to God, and that you desire God to use your child as He sees fit; to advance the gospel of the kingdom of God, to fulfill the great commission and their God-given destiny and purpose that He has called them to. 

What Are the Requirements of the Parents?

Child Dedication is in essence a commitment from the parents to raise their children in a God-honouring way. At least one parent must be a follower of Jesus Christ. 

Our Commitment As A Church

With parents having the greatest influence in their child’s life, we recognize that it truly takes a village to raise a child. As the church, it is our role to: 

  • Help parents recognize that children are a gift from God.
  • Equip you, the parents, to pass on the faith to your children.
  • Reestablish the home as the primary place where faith is nurtured.
  • Be a lifelong partner for you and your family 
Is Child Dedication Salvation or Baptism?

Parents cannot decide their child’s salvation. Each person must make the decision to have a personal relationship with Christ. Parents must however, lay a foundation through teaching and example that will help children to make that decision at the right time.

Child Dedication is not baptism; it is a commitment to raise your child in a Gospel-centered home, while taking the lead role in your child’s discipleship. This dedication is not a statement of salvation for your child, but rather a statement of how you will raise your child. 

What Is A Child Dedication Ceremony?

Child Dedication is a public ceremony where Christian parents prayerfully invite God to work in their child’s life and state their intention to raise their child to glorify and love His Son, Jesus Christ. 

What Does a Child Dedication Look Like?

We have our Child Dedications during our Sunday morning service.

After the Tithes & Offerings prayer, we will ask the parents and children to come and stand in front of the congregation. The pastor will take a moment to introduce each of the parents and children. After each of the children are introduced, the pastor will ask the families the following questions in regards to the raising of their children:

  • Do you recognize that your child is a gift from God and that you are responsible to God for his/her nuture in the Lord?
  • Will you pray for your child’s salvation and teach your child the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ?
  • Since your child will learn by both your word and example, will you set a Godly example in prayer, Bible reading, church attendance/participation, giving and serving others in your church home?
  • Do you, at this time, present your child before the Lord, acknowledging that your child is His and that you are releasing him/her to His perfect plan?

After each question, the parents will respond with, “I will”.

The pastor will then turn to the congregation and ask them the following question:

  • Will you, congregation, encourage, support, and pray for these parents as they seek to live out their commitments in a way that brings glory to God?

After the congregation responds with “we will”, the pastor performing the Child Dedication will pray over the children who are being dedicated and then dismiss the families to their seats.

Dedicating Your Child

We offer Child Dedication throughout the year. To make known your desire to dedicate your child, please contact us by calling the office at 403-443-7275 or emailing: info@vc3.ca.