As parents, you are naturally very excited when a new baby arrives! You want to do everything possible for your child.

Parents often have questions about the Service of Child Presentation and Parent Dedication, which takes place in our church, services from time to time. Here is some information to help you understand the service, and to help you decide if it is appropriate for you at this time.

Children are a precious gift from God. In order to celebrate new life and encourage Christian parents in the task of raising children in the way of Christ, many Baptists churches encourage parents to present themselves and their children to God and their church family. The service, then, has three basic functions:
a. It is an opportunity to thank God for new life.
b. It is an opportunity for Christian parents to recommit themselves to Christian living and discipleship as they seek to raise their child in a Christian home.
c. It is an opportunity for the parents' church family to express their support of the parents, and the church's commitment to assist the family in the Christian nurture of the child.

This service is a very significant event for Christian parents. It is an opportunity for self-examination, rededication to Christ and recommitment to living a Christian life (including regular church worship, Bible study and prayer). During the service parents will be asked specific questions about their personal commitment to Christ as their Saviour and Lord, and about their willingness to raise the child in the church family.

Parents actively involved in the church will find the service very meaningful. However, persons who cannot in clear conscience make these vows to God, either about their personal commitment to Christ or about raising their children in the church, should seriously consider waiting until a more appropriate time. This is a spiritual event involving parents, child, the church, and God and must never be entered into lightly.

It is important to realize that this service does NOT impart any sacramental blessing on the child - its primary significance is for the parents and the church to commit themselves to the child's spiritual development. Baptists believe that until a child reaches an age of genuine moral responsibility that child is covered by God's grace. Baptist understanding of infant presentation is nothing like infant baptism practiced by other traditions.

The service is also very meaningful for the church of which the parents are a part. The church has an obligation to support the parents as they seek to raise the child, and to provide every opportunity and encouragement for the spiritual development to the child. Therefore, during the service church members will be asked if they are willing to support and assist the parents and the child.

Naturally the service of presentation and dedication should take place within a regular worship service of the church where the parents are actively involved. In order for the service to have integrity, the church must take its responsibility to the family seriously; at the same time the parents must also be committed to the church, its fellowship and its ministries (such as nursery and Sunday School).

One or two deacons from the church will meet with families who express an interest in the service to help determine if it is appropriate for them at this time. As mentioned earlier, the service is a spiritual experience involving the family, the church, and God. Questions are asked and commitments required, in the presence of God, which demand serious reflection beforehand - Are you willing to dedicate your life to Christ? Are you willing to commit yourself to raising your child in a Christian home? Are you willing to be involved, regularly, in the church?

This is an exciting and wonderful service for Christian parents committed to the church! However if you have any doubts at this time, it may be best to wait. As mentioned, the service is NOT essential for the child, but is more for the parents and the church. You are always very welcome to consider coming again, at any time, if you feel the service would be more appropriate at a later date. If you have questions about your own Christian commitment, the pastor or the deacons will be pleased to speak with you!