Child Dedication
Renew Life Church has a high value for aligning our children’s ministry with God’s heart for families, and we desire to do all we can to create a partnership with parents. Part of that partnership is setting apart a moment to allow families to dedicate their children to the Lord and all He has for them individually, as well as allowing our spiritual family to cover them with prayer and support.
God created each child with individual gifts, qualities and characteristics and desires to speak to us as to the nature of those things in our children. During our Child Dedications at RLC, we have a prophetic team that takes time to pray before the event and ask God what He would say about each of His precious children. Then during church, our pastors pray over each child and family, and also read the prophetic word over their lives.
The Bible shows us many times throughout scripture what the heart of God is towards His children! We’ve referenced scriptures below that explain why we “dedicate” children to the Lord, and what the Bible has to say about God’s perspective on children and families…
We can see children are our heritage and gifts from the Lord.
Psalm 127:3-5 (ESV)
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
James 1:17 (ESV)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Everyone is responsible for introducing kids to Jesus. We are not to hinder their relationship with Him but bring them to Him.
Matthew 19:14 (ESV)
“...But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’”
The Bible is our guide to train up our children, and we receive a promise when we follow that training– that they will not depart from the way God has for them.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ESV)
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
As we look to Biblical examples, we can see dedication at the temple is a way to set God’s family apart. Two of the stories share moments of children being prophesied over.
Luke 2:22- 38
Jesus was presented at the temple.
His parents gave an offering to the Lord.
He was set apart through circumcision.
He was prophesied over by two elders- Simeon & Anna
Luke 1:57-80
John the Baptist was presented at the temple.
He was set apart through circumcision.
His Father, a priest, prophesied over him.
1 Samuel 1: 21-28
Samuel was presented at the temple in 1 Samuel 1:26-28:
“And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” Hannah Praised God for the birth of Samuel!
Biological and spiritual families are both included for support and encouragement to raise kids the way God designed. As a family, we are called to be intentional about coming together to raise kids to know Jesus and steward the words over their lives.
Proverbs 17:6 ESV
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
Romans 12: 9-13 ESV
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
1 Corinthians 12:24b-26 ESV
“But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
God directs His people to be fruitful and multiply. Our role as the body of Christ is to come together in unity in all areas of life, including raising kids God’s way!
FAQs
Why do parent’s dedicate their child?
As a public expression that they are setting their child apart as a child that belongs to God and opening their lives to be equipped as parents.
What age can a child be dedicated at RLC?
Birth- 6th Grade
Who is invited?
Any family member or friend you want to invite is welcome! There will be a small reception for the immediate family of the child being dedicated the morning of child dedication where a simple but delicious breakfast will be served.
Is RLC your church home?
As a church family it is our desire to walk alongside and partner with our spiritual families as they raise their children God’s way.