This Is Why Child Dedication Matters More Than You Realize

Many churches practice Child Dedication. It’s important to understand what this is and what it’s not. 

Child Dedication is not a baptism, a guarantee of salvation, or a ritual that secures a child’s future with God. Scripture teaches that salvation comes only through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His saving work (Ephesians 2:8–9). We are saved by grace through faith alone in the risen Christ. Children must consciously repent and believe in Christ to be saved. Dedication is not about the child’s decision, but about the parents’ commitment and dependence. 

Child dedication is a special moment where parents, with the support of their church, commit to raise their child to know and follow Jesus. It’s also an expression of dependence on our merciful and faithful God. Like Hannah who dedicated Samuel to God (1 Samuel 1:27–28), parents will raise their children to know His Word, hear His voice, and follow His ways. It’s a prayerful act of surrender—saying, “Lord, our children belong to you. Please save them and use them for your glory.” 

But the responsibility and calling doesn’t stop with parents. Our church family plays a significant role in supporting the parents and influencing kids towards Jesus. Children are a priority to Jesus, not an afterthought (Matthew 19:13-15). This is obvious in the gospels. When we dedicate children, we commit together as a church to encourage, teach, and model Christ to them. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go”. That work belongs to parents and to the body of Christ.

Child Dedication is a reminder that discipleship begins at home but is strengthened in the church. This means each of us has a role to play: encouraging and praying for parents, fostering and investing in healthy marriages, teaching in kids’ ministry, greeting families warmly and helping them integrate into the church, praying for children by name, mentoring teens, and living as faithful examples of Christ in front of the children we personally know. 

I challenge you to choose one practical way to support a child or family in our church. Pray for them, serve them, share God’s Word with them. Consider joining the Kids and Student Ministry teams. There are plenty of opportunities there. Together, we can help shape a generation that knows and follows Jesus.

For His glory,

Chad Kettler 

Lewisville Campus Pastor