FAQs FAQs

1. How is a child dedication ceremony The church is God’s ordained organization different from ? The teaches that intended to aid in spiritual formation (Ephesians belief in Jesus Christ for salvation always precedes 4:11-16). As a general rule of thumb, we would baptism (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48). When Christ like to see you attend EBC for at least six months blessed the little children, He invited them to come before dedicating your child to the Lord in a public to Him, not to a baptismal service – in fact, there’s service. no mention of water anywhere in this passage.

There is no doubt Jesus welcomes children. In 4. If I’m a single parent, can I have my child fact, He honors and loves children much more dedicated? Absolutely! This is a way for you to than we do, but there is a big difference between commit publicly to do all you can to raise your blessing and baptizing. child without the presence of a spouse. We do, however, encourage you to discuss child dedication At Edgewood, we do not practice , with the other parent. We are committed to do all but instead, follow the clear teaching of Scripture we can to support single parents in helping to that baptism by immersion is only for provide a Christian foundation for your child. One believers (see the document, “Taking the Plunge” of our pastors would be happy to discuss this in Behold, children are a for more information). greater detail with you as each situation is unique. heritage from the LORD,

2. How do parents prepare for child 5. If I am not married but living with someone The fruit of the womb is a dedication? First of all, parents must make sure in a sexual relationship, can I dedicate my reward. they are saved. Deuteronomy 6 teaches that child? We ask parents who are living together parents must first love God before they can be a but not married to surrender to God’s plan for godly example to their children. Next, recognize marriage first. Again, it’s important for parents to Psalm 127:3 the duty of teaching children belongs primarily to obey God in order to set a godly example for their parents. Set up some practices in your family that children. will create a spiritual environment conducive to faith formation in your children. If your spouse is 6. If I want to schedule a child dedication not yet saved, a pastor would be happy to discuss ceremony, what should I do? Make a note on this situation with you. your Connection Card, talk with a pastor, call the church office at (309) 786-7913 or send an email to Edgewood Baptist Church 3. Do I need to be a member of Edgewood to [email protected]. th publicly dedicate my children? While you do 2704 38 Street not need to be a member to have your child Rock Island, IL 61201 As you consider dedicating your child to the Lord, dedicated, we do ask that you have made the may the Lord grant you the promise of Psalm 22: (309) 786-7913 decision to call Edgewood your home. In 30-31 (NLT): “ Our children will also serve him. www.edgewoodbaptist.net dedicating your child to the Lord, you are Future generations will hear about the wonders committing to willingly partner with God and the of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told church to raise your child in God’s ways by to those not yet born. They will hear about plugging into the life and ministry of Edgewood. everything He has done.” Child Dedication Biblical Basis

At Edgewood we believe children are a gift from The precedent for dedicating children to the Lord is found in two key passages of Scripture, one in the Old God (Psalm 127:3). As a church family, we are Testament and one in the New Testament. committed to partner with parents in the evangelizing and discipling of sons and daughters One of the clearest examples took place when a godly woman named Hannah prayed for years that God to be difference-makers for Christ. would grant her a child. When God answered, she gave birth to her son Samuel. Hannah dedicated him to the Lord in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NASB): “For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has given me my petition One of the ways we demonstrate this commitment which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the LORD; as long as he lives he is dedicated to is by giving parents an opportunity to publically the LORD.” dedicate their child to Christ. We’re excited for you as you investigate what a child dedication In Luke 2:22, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in an act of dedication: “Now when the days ceremony is all about. of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.”

A Typical Biblical Charge to Parents Dedication Ceremony Dedication of our children is when you rise up.” earth.’ And you, fathers, do not very important but we must also provoke your children to be devoted to consistently and In Mark 10:14-16, Jesus wrath, but bring them up in the After calling the parents and child up front, the intentionally impact them for rebuked the disciples by telling training and admonition of the pastor will ask the parents questions similar to God’s glory and kingdom them to welcome the little Lord.” these: expansion. God grants to children: “‘Let the little  Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus parents the privilege and children come to Me, and do While a dedication ceremony Christ for your salvation and are you fully responsibility of teaching and not forbid them; for of such focuses on the child, it is really surrendered to God? training their children. is the kingdom of God. the parents who are making Assuredly, I say to you, a public commitment and  Are you committed to create an intentional In Deuteronomy 6:4-7, parents whoever does not receive declaration to raise their son or environment in your home in which your child are exhorted to love God, to be the kingdom of God as a daughter in a way that will be can come to faith in Christ and then grow as a an example in the home, and little child will by no means conducive to their child’s Christ-follower? to teach God’s ways to their enter it.’ And He took them up conversion and discipleship. children: “Hear, O Israel: The in His arms, laid His hands The Bible exhorts parents to be  Are you committed as a family to participate LORD our God, the LORD is on them, and blessed them.” the spiritual champions in the in the life and ministry of Edgewood, giving one! You shall love the LORD home. priority to regular attendance and involvement your God with all your heart, In Ephesians 6:1-4, parents are so we can partner with you in the great with all your soul, and with all reminded of their duty to bring Grandparents also play a key adventure of parenting? your strength. And these words children up to honor and obey role in the faith formation of the

which I command you today them: “Children, obey your next generation as seen in  Are you ready to give your child back to the shall be in your heart. You parents in the Lord, for this is Psalm 71:18 – “Even when I Lord in an act of dedication? shall teach them diligently to right. ‘Honor your father and am old and gray, do not The pastor will then offer a prayer of dedication your children, and shall talk of mother,’ which is the first forsake me, O God, till I and conclude with a charge to the congregation to them when you sit in your commandment with promise: declare your power to the next partner with the parents in equipping the child to house, when you walk by the ‘that it may be well with you generation, your might to all reach his/her full potential in Christ. way, when you lie down, and and you may live long on the who are to come.”