Dedications

One of the joys of our ministry as a church is being part of so many of life's important moments for so many people. We'd love to discuss being a part of your child's growth. 

As a church who values new life, we offer a child's dedication, where we pray in Jesus' name for God's blessing on your child. We take time to give thanks to God for the birth of the child; we make promises both parents, god-parents and the church family and we present the child to the church. 

The basis for a dedication service is taken from the Bible. Mark 10:13-16 tells us, people were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on 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. Truly I tell you, 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, placed his hands on them and blessed them." (NIVUK)

What about older children?
Most commonly, the children brought to dedications are under a year old, but sometimes parents of older children seek a dedication service for their children. This is particularly common where they have started coming to church sometime after the birth of their children. In such cases where the child is old enough to understand something of what's going on, it's a good idea for us to talk it through with them, so they can enter the experience positively and informatively according to their stage in life. 

What about Baptism?
If you want to know more about what believers' baptism means, and about services of believers' baptism at St Andrews Baptist Church, please see our baptism page or speak with our minister Revd. Brian Stocker. 

What if there is only one parent?
Some families are single-parent families. You are of course just as welcome to present your child to God and to seek his blessing on your child. 

In other situations, only one parent wants to be involved. For example, one parent has started going to church, but the other parent is not interested either in services generally or their child's dedication. While it is better if the whole family is involved, you are welcome to bring your child even if your partner does not want to come.

What do we need to do?
When you've had a chance to think it through, and you've decided that you would like to have a dedication service, please contact our Minister: Revd. Brian Stocker via our church office.