Baby Dedication Template

Homely 

Baby dedication is one of the oldest rituals we partake in as a church, it has its origin all the way back in Exodus 13 where the Lord told Moses to dedicate the first born of all children to him. 

In 1 Samuel Hannah we see the model of a parent presenting her child to the Lord, 

Also in the LIfe of Jesus in luke 2 Joseph and Mary bring Jesus to the temple and dedicate him to the Lord

And so today we follow in the footsteps of millions of parents all throughout Christian History in the dedication of Violet Bogdanoff. 

Today Violet's parents "Daniel and Celeste” are doing something special for their daughter. They are making a public declaration that Violet belongs to the lord, they are offering their daughter to God in an act of worship and they are expressing their trust in the church in the raising of Violet. 

Here at Harvest we have a specific way of doing Child dedications. 

I will ask Daniel and Celeste a set of questions then I will ask you the church a question. This expresses the partnership and trust between the Parents and God and the Parents and the church. 

Finally I will take Violet to a member in the church. And the parents will remain up front. This is a symbolic moment in which the parents are expressing Trust in God and Trust in the church to help raise their child. 

List of Questions 

Parents: 

Are you committed to Raising Violet to Know Jesus?

Are you committed to leading Violet in the understanding of baptism and partaking of communion when she is age appropriate? 

Are you committed to The local Church and will raise Violet in the church family 

Church:

Church, are you committed to being the family of faith to the Bogdanoff family to come alongside them, support them, and minister to them in their needs and abundance 

Church, are you committed to helping disciple Violet, to help her understand that she is loved by God and is valued within the church?

Prayer of dedication: 

Today we recognize that Violet is important to God, Today we recognize that Jesus died for Violet. We recognize that Daniel and Celeste are committing Violet in an act of faith in the family of faith. 

We dedicate Violet today and pray protection

Honoring God Through Baby Dedication

Summary: Baby dedication is a special moment for parents and the church to commit to raising a child in a God-centered environment while affirming God's role in the life of the child.

Application: This sermon can inspire parents and the congregation to recognize the importance of dedicating children to the Lord, encouraging them to support each other in fostering a spiritual foundation for the next generation.

Teaching: Baby dedication teaches that raising children is not just a parental responsibility but a communal one, emphasizing the church's role in nurturing the faith of families and children.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader narrative of Scripture, dedication serves as a reminder of our ultimate dedication to Christ, who was dedicated by His parents in the temple, signifying His role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.

Big Idea: To honor God through the dedication of our children and the commitment to raise them in faith within a supportive church community.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider diving into texts such as 1 Samuel 1:27-28, where Hannah dedicates Samuel, to explore the biblical roots of this practice. Using Logos, you might want to examine commentaries that discuss the cultural significance of child dedication in the Old and New Testaments, and investigate how contemporary church practices align with these biblical examples.

1. Hannah's Heartfelt Dedication

1 Samuel 1:24-28

You could explore how Hannah's heartfelt dedication of Samuel to God serves as a profound example of commitment and trust in God's plan. By dedicating Samuel, Hannah acknowledges that her child is ultimately God's gift, and she embraces her role in his spiritual journey. Parents might be inspired to see their dedication as a way to honor God's sovereignty and plan for their child's life and as a prayerful commitment to guide their spiritual growth with wisdom and love.

2. Jesus' Invitation to Children

Mark 10:13-16

Perhaps reflect on Jesus’ welcome of the children, rebuking the disciples, and illustrating the kingdom of God’s nature. This passage emphasizes the significance of children in God’s kingdom and could inspire the congregation to view children as integral members of the faith community. Emphasize the parents' and church’s role in nurturing children, drawing them toward Christ by modeling His love and grace. It can remind listeners of their communal responsibility to support each other in raising children in faith.

3. Presenting Christ at the Temple

Luke 2:22-24

Maybe discuss how Mary and Joseph’s presentation of Jesus at the temple reflects dedication's biblical roots and foreshadows His mission. They adhered to the law, dedicating Jesus according to Jewish custom, which underscores the importance of community and tradition in one’s faith journey. This action also aligns with God’s redemptive plan through Jesus. Encourage the church family to see baby dedication as part of a larger narrative—one that threads through tradition while pointing toward Christ’s fulfillment of the law and grace.

4. Training in Faith's Way

Proverbs 22:6

Consider using this verse to encourage parents and the church to invest in spiritual formation from an early age. "Train up a child in the way he should go" speaks to intentionality in nurturing a child’s faith. Perhaps discuss practical ways the church can support parents in this commitment, emphasizing prayer, teaching, and community involvement as essential roles. The community is reminded of the lasting impact of early spiritual guidance, urging them to actively engage in the spiritual journey of their children.