What is Baby/Child Dedication?

Child dedication is the act of giving back to God the gift He has given you as parents.  It is an act of worship, thanksgiving, dependence, trust, and commitment.  The practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible.

The Israelites brought their 8-day-old children to the priest for blessing.  Hannah (1 Samuel 1:24-28) brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest, Eli, to dedicate him to the Lord. 

We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is not passed on to a child through dedication.  Parents covenant to raise their children by modeling Godly principles and with the desire that one day, their children will receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Is Dedication the Same as Infant Baptism or Christening?

Child dedication is different from infant baptism or christening.  While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, it is the practice of Community Church of Columbus to dedicate children.

Infant baptism developed in early church history in the belief that it would ensure salvation of infants, should they die before they were old enough to develop a personal faith in Jesus Christ.  It was believed that through baptism, the infant would be assured a place in heaven.

We at CCC believe, however, that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We also believe the Bible teaches that baptism should take place after a person has made a personal choice to follow Jesus Christ.

Christening is a term that implies both infant baptism and the naming of the child.

Can My Child Wear a Christening Gown?

Yes.  While we don't practice either infant baptism or christening, we recognize that christening gowns are often family heirlooms with a meaningful history in the extended family.  Therefore, your child can wear a christening gown to the dedication.

When and Where is Child Dedication?

Child dedication is held once a quarter as a part of either worship service on Sunday mornings.  You must call to register for upcoming dedications, or fill out the information flap on a Sunday bulletin.

For more information, please call the church office at 812-376-9478.