We are delighted that you, as parents, are interested in making a public commitment to raise your child in the ways of God. The Bible says, "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him." (Psalms 127:3)
We believe that scripture exhorts parents to raise their children and train them up in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). Therefore, we encourage parents to publicly commit themselves to Godly parenting in a sacred ceremony called, "Baby Dedication."
We believe that salvation comes through repentance and confession of one’s faith in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior (Romans 10:9 & 10). We also believe that "water baptism" is symbolic of our confession of sin and profession of Jesus as Lord (Romans 6:1 - 11). Since an infant has not willfully committed sin and is not old enough to understand a commitment to Christ, baby dedication is not related to their personal or eternal salvation. Until a child is old enough to account for their sins and commit their lives to Christ, water baptism should not be administered.
Therefore, the "Baby Dedication" ceremony is a mother and father committing themselves to God, one another, and dedicating their infant to the Lord. They vow that they will raise their newborn infant in a Christian home and church. The ultimate goal is that the parents will lead their child to a personal relationship with the Lord as the child reaches an age of personal accountability.
BABY DEDICATION GUIDELINES:
1. Parents should be attending Christian Life Center on a weekly basis for at least four months before requesting baby dedication.
2. Only infants twelve months or younger will be considered for dedication.
3. One parent must be a professing Christian and active in the church.
4. When the parents are not married, only the parent who is a professing Christian and attending church weekly will be permitted to present the child and herself/himself in dedication on the platform.
NOTE: Since the emphasis of this ceremony is on the commitment of parents to raise the child in a Christian and Godly environment, parents who are living together outside of marriage will not be considered to present themselves and their infant in dedication.
VITAL INFORMATION:
1. If you understand and are in agreement with the guidelines and procedures outlined, you should proceed to fill out the "Request of Baby Dedication" form. This can be obtained by calling the Senior Pastor’s office at 954-731-LIFE.
2. The "Request of Baby Dedication" form must be returned to the Senior Pastor's office two weeks prior to the scheduled dedication ceremony.
3. The information from this form will be used to provide the parents with a "Certificate of Dedication."
4. There is no charge or fees for the dedication of infants.
CEREMONY PROCEDURES:
1. During the course of the worship service, the pastor will ask the parents to bring their infant to the platform.
2. So that the transition in the worship service to the dedication ceremony is not distracting or confusing, parents are requested to be seated with their infant on any of the first four rows of the sanctuary.
3. Due to the sacredness of this occasion, the parents should wear proper attire in keeping with the reverence and dignity of coming to the altar of God.
4. The parents may, if they desire, request two other family members or friends to stand with them on the platform. These two people are not considered "god parents" since this term or concept is not mentioned in scripture. They, however, should be two individuals who will be a spiritual encouragement and support to the parents in raising and training the child for the Lord. These two individuals should likewise be Christians and be dressed in proper church attire.
5. After the ceremony, you may leave to place your infant in the church nursery and then be reseated nearer the back of the sanctuary. If you wish to remain in the church with your baby, it is best to sit near the back to avoid unplanned distractions.
