CHESTNUT ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Baby Dedication (Blessing)
Guidelines & Conditions
January 25, 2024
At Chestnut Assembly of God, Baby Dedication is a public declaration
of the parent or parents (legal guardian/s) before God and man
acknowledging with gratitude that the child belongs to, and, is a gift
from God. Recognizing that as parents (legal guardian/s) you need God’s
wisdom and help in raising your child and with His help you will do
your best to set the example for this child to follow in the way of the LORD.
THE ROOT
Baby Dedication at Chestnut Assembly of God is a family time when
parents (legal guardian/s) publicly commit themselves to abiding by
biblical principles and raising their children according to God's
standards. Not only are you dedicating your child to God, but you are
also dedicating yourselves as parents (legal guardian/s) to God.
ENVIRONMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
You are committing yourselves to maintaining a Christian home in
which Christ is honored and the Word of God is held in
reverence. Christian parents (legal guardian/s) are to do all they can
do to “set apart” their child to God until that child can make his or her
own choice regarding a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The responsibilities God has entrusted to Christian parents (legal
guardian/s) include continuously praying for their children (Job 1:5),
instructing them in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6), setting a
Godly example (Proverbs 20:7), and disciplining them as the Lord
would discipline us (Proverbs 29:15,17; 13:24). These responsibilities
can only be fulfilled in Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13).
THIS IS NOT WATER BAPTISM
The Baby Dedication at Chestnut Assembly of God does not involve
water baptism either by immersion or sprinkling. We believe that
water baptism is meant to take place at a time when an individual
makes a personal decision to follow Christ and is old enough to
repent and confess Jesus publicly.
CONDITIONS
Only a couple committed to Christ and married (a biological man and
a biological woman) or a Single Parent (legal guardian) committed to
Christ and not living with someone (outside of Holy wedlock), may
participate in the ceremony. A believing parent (legal guardian) may
dedicate a child independently of an unbelieving spouse.
Single parents (legal guardian/s) who dedicate their children may not
have boyfriends or girlfriends present with them on the platform.
Parents (legal guardian/s) who have not placed their faith in Jesus
Christ as Savior and Lord will be unable to submit their children to
God’s will and His ways, because they themselves do not know the
ways of the Lord. As a result, we must decline any requests to
involve an unbelieving parent in the dedication of a child.
As a parent (legal guardian/s), your devotion to God—or lack of it—
will make a resounding impression on your child.
We believe that unmarried parents (legal guardian/s) living together
do not set a Christ-like example. Therefore, unmarried parents will be
advised to separate or wait until they are married to dedicate their child.
We recognize that not every parent (legal guardian/s) is committed to
living a Christ-centered lifestyle. However, the Pastoral staff and/or
Elders at Chestnut Assembly of God will bless every child that is
brought to the office for prayer, however we will not, at any time,
publicly or privately dedicate your child (children) to the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions:
WHY SHOULD I DEDICATE MY CHILD?
The Bible provides an example for us in that Mary and Joseph took
baby Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to God. As followers of
Christ, we also should want to make the public declaration to our
family, and our church. It is invaluable to be able to tell your children
as they are growing up that they belong to Jesus and that you have
asked God to use them in a formal declaration.
WHERE IN THE SCRIPTURE DOES IT SAY TO DEDICATE YOUR CHILD?
Scripture does not mention anything about dedication of children;
however, Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27, 28).
Jesus was dedicated to the Lord as a baby (Luke 2:22) and baptized
as an adult (Matthew 3:13-17). In Mark 10:11-13 we read
“People were bringing little children to Jesus
to have Him touch 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. I tell you the truth; 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, put His hand on them and blessed them.”
It is primarily from this passage of Scripture that we model our
service of “blessing” your child to the Lord privately.
HOW OLD SHOULD THE CHILD BE?
While there is no set age for a child to be presented to the Lord,
children are generally presented within the first year or two of their life.
CAN I AS A GRANDPARENT DEDICATE MY GRANDCHILD?
Yes, only if you have full custody (legal guardian/s) and the child lives with you.
The person making a public vow should be the child’s caretaker and
legal guardian who is responsible for the upbringing of the child.
WHAT ABOUT GODPARENTS?
There is nothing mentioned in the Bible about Godparents. Parents
(legal guardian/s) themselves have the primary biblical responsibility
to raise up their children in the things of the Lord. Some parents may
like to call witnesses to confirm their commitment.
These may be relatives or loved ones who know the parents well and
who themselves are Christians and faithful to the Lord. Godparents
are welcome to attend the ceremony, and they will stand with the
parents (legal guardian/s).
WHAT IF I AM A BELIEVER BUT MY SPOUSE IS NOT?
If only one parent is a believer, the dedication of the child can be done
if the unbelieving parent has given permission.
WHAT IF I AM NOT MARRIED BUT I LIVE WITH THE CHILD’S FATHER/ MOTHER?
Dedication does nothing for the child; it is actually a declaration (vow)
where the parents (legal guardian/s) dedicate themselves to bring
their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It is very
difficult to make such a declaration when living in opposition to the
Word of God. We are very supportive of parents and do encourage
them to make their union biblical and legal and then proceed with the Baby Dedication.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE ACTUAL CEREMONY?
During the ceremony, the Pastor will ask the parents to bring their
children to the altar/platform. The Pastor or his designee will share
scriptures and thoughts on how you will raise your child in the
Christian faith, that you will be his or her example, and that you will
train your child in Christian disciplines: Prayer, Bible reading, church attendance, etc.
The Pastors and the Elders will lay hands on you and your
child(children) as we dedicate them to the Lord. This is a very sacred,
holy and reverential moment. You will then receive your child’s
Dedication Certificate and be seated
following the Pastor’s concluding prayer.
We ask that any of your family or friends that are standing
with you during the baby dedication,
would remain in the church for the remainder of the service.
SHOULD THE CHILD BE DRESSED A SPECIAL WAY?
No. You can dress the child in whatever clothes you wish.
CAN WE TAKE PICTURES DURING THE CEREMONY?
Picture taking is permissible if done orderly and without interference.
The vows being made at this time are sacred and serious before the Lord.
Please make sure that your guests are aware that they should use
great discretion when taking pictures during the ceremony. Please do
not walk on the platform during the baby dedication.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AFTER I DEDICATE MY CHILD?
Dedication is a pledge to cultivate a spiritual atmosphere in the home.
One must never underestimate the incredible influence a parent (legal
guardian/s) has on the faith of their children. Infant dedication
expresses the intention and faith of the parents to do everything they
can to lead their child to salvation. It is a public pledge to circle the
child with a Godly environment that will nurture the child’s faith in God.
Scripture tells us that we are to train a child in the way he should go
(Proverbs 22:6). This includes meeting together regularly as
Christians to spur one another onto love and good deeds (Hebrews
10:23-24). Dedication of children to God is a promise to model a
Christian lifestyle to the children while worshipping with a church family regularly.
In actuality, a Christian/Biblical Dedication of a child is a dedication of
the parents (legal guardian/s) to be godly role models. 2 Timothy 1:5
states, “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you,
which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice,
and I am persuaded is in you also.”
WHY DO I NEED TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES?
It is sad to see parents (legal guardian/s) who go through the ritual of
a baby dedication who have not even dedicated themselves to the
Lord, much less their children. This makes a mockery of the whole
event and it loses its significance. Therefore,
we would expect that those parents (legal guardian/s) who
want to publicly dedicate their child to the Lord meet the
requirements and guidelines stated above and below.
** If at this time you do not meet these guidelines or want more
understanding, one of our Pastors or Elders would love to have the
opportunity to help assist you in God’s Word and God’s love, so you
can position yourself and family for God’s best. We love you!
If you have any questions regarding the Baby Blessing or Dedication
ceremony or desire to make an appointment for counseling regarding
this, please contact the church office at 856-691-1205.
I MEET THE GUIDELINES. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO DEDICATE MY CHILD?
Complete and submit the registration form to the office by the
appropriate deadline prior to each dedication date either by visiting
our website: www.chestnutag.org, or visit Guest Services to fill out a paper registration.
Await a call from our pastoral staff or elders to confirm your registration.
You may need to meet with a pastor/elder for a scheduled appointment prior to the ceremony.
Thank you and God Bless You