CHILD DEDICATION

 Children are a gift from God, a heritage of the Lord! (Ps 127:3)

ACC celebrates you and your family! Child dedication is our way to take time as a church to pray with you and your family and affirm your desire, as the parent(s), to raise your child in the love, grace, truth and admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)

What child dedication is and isn’t:

  1. It is NOT baptism or "first communion".
    But, it IS a symbolic act of the parent(s) bringing their child to Jesus for His blessing on them. - see Mark 10:13-16.

  2. It is NOT salvation for your child.
    It IS, however, an expression of the parent(s) to raise their child to one day make his/her own decision to follow Jesus. - see Ezekiel 18:20-22.

  3. It is NOT circumcision.
    But, it IS a symbolic expression of the parent(s) that their child -boy or girl- is in the everlasting covenant of God's love and grace. - see Genesis 17:9-14.

  4. It is NOT a child sacrifice.
    It IS, however, a symbolic expression of the parent(s) "giving their child back to God" for His purpose and glory. - see 1 Samuel 1:26-28.

  5. It is NOT the "raising of Simba".
    But, it IS the parent(s) symbolic exaltation of the Lion of Judah, King Jesus, over their child and family. In fact, Jesus Himself, was dedicated by His devoted parents. - see Luke 2:22-38.

IS IT NECESSARY?

While child dedication is not required, we do believe that it is necessary! Why? When the dedication of a child is coupled with the faith of the parent(s), the results are spiritual in nature and divine in purpose.

Consider Esau’s response when Isaac “stole” his blessing (Genesis 27:30-38). Why would a strong grown man, like Esau, respond with an "exceedingly great and bitter cry" when he didn’t receive his father’s blessing? Because he knew there was true power in that blessing. He knew that his parent's blessing would open up the door for God's divine protection, purpose, and prosperity in his life.

This blessing of God, as delivered through the parent(s), is something every child wants and needs.

Are there requirements to dedicate MY child?

Just one requirement. The parent(s) must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, with an understanding of what child dedication is and a readiness to help their child grow in the Christian faith.

Ready to dedicate your child?
Let us know.