The act of dedicating children to the Lord was a common practice of blessing among the people of God in both the Old and New Testament periods. In addition, it was also a statement of recognition on the part of the parents that their children really belonged to God. As Christians today, we dedicate children with the same purpose in mind.

Dedication is not the importation of salvation upon a child, but rather a public expression of faith and commitment on the part of the parents, and blessing on the part of God through His church. This act by the parents is a prayerful declaration of their stewardship over God’s gracious gift to them. It is also their pledge to do all they can, as God gives them wisdom, to raise their child to respect and honor God and to love and serve Jesus Christ.

At Hessel Church, we encourage parents to bring their children and dedicate them to the Lord.

The dedication celebration is more than a ritual. It’s a commitment on the part of parents to honor the will and the Word of God. As a part of this dedication, you are asked to:

1. Publicly affirm your personal faith in Christ and renew your dedication to Him and His Word.
2. Recognize that your children belong to God and have been born to experience His love and to serve Him.
3. Pray daily for God’s direction in your lives and in the lives of your children.
4. Faithfully participate in ministry opportunities with your children.
5. Teach your children the truths of God’s Word in your home.
6. Anticipate and seek to gently lead your children to a personal faith in Christ as soon as they are ready.

1 Samuel 1:26-28
“As surely as you live, my Lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord, I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”

Luke 2:22
“When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.”

Mark 10:13-16
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hand on them and blessed them.”

Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. “

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up!”

Having read the "Dedication of Children" and "Teachings of Scripture", we/I desire to present this child to God and be diligent in fulfilling the responsibility of a godly parent.

Expect a phone call within one week of submitting your application to verify your child(ren)'s dedication. If we need to be aware of any special circumstances concerning your child, please note below.