Many of us come from backgrounds where we've seen infants baptized by sprinkling or pouring. But here at ALCF, we believe that baptism is to be reserved for older children and adults who are able and ready to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus. However, in the Bible, we do find a practice that has continued to this day called baby or child dedication. In fact, Jesus' parents dedicated him to God as a baby (Luke 2:22-38). We dedicate babies and children to God in humble recognition that these children belong to Him; they are not ours, but God's. The practice of child dedication is a way of making a public declaration of submission to God as parents.

At Abundant Life, child dedication is a twofold act. First, the parents dedicate themselves to raise their child in the Christian faith, and second, we as a church family, commit to provide them the support they need to keep their promise. The child dedication ceremony takes place during a Sunday morning service where the parents' verbally commit to dedicate their child to God, and then the parents are presented with a framed certificate of dedication for their child.

First, it's important that you prayerfully consider the significance and magnitude of this decision before proceeding with the dedication ceremony. This is an important commitment that should not be entered into lightly. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to address them with Pastor Shane before you make your decision about child dedication.