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Child Dedication

What is Child Dedication?

Child dedication is a meaningful moment where parents publicly commit to raising their child to know, love, and follow God. It is a time of prayer, thanksgiving, and celebration, shared with our church community.

It is a public declaration made by parents or guardians, dedicating their child to God and committing to raise them according to biblical values.

It is not a sacrament or baptism, but a heartfelt commitment made before God and the church community. The church, in turn, commits to supporting the family through prayer, encouragement, and shared faith.

At Clayton Church of Christ, child dedication is a way for families to acknowledge that children are a gift from God and to commit to raising them in His ways, with the encouragement and support of the church.

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Psalm 127:3

Why Dedicate Your Child?

Parents choose to dedicate their child as a way to:

  • Thank God for the gift of their child

  • Commit to raising their child in faith and love
  • Intentionally place God at the centre of family life
  • Invite prayer and support from the church community

What Child Dedication Is — and Is Not

Child dedication is

  • A commitment made by parents or guardians

  • A time of prayer and blessing
  • A celebration shared with the church community

Child dedication is not

  • Baptism

  • A requirement for church membership
  • Limited to newborn babies

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

MARK 10:14

I’d Like to Dedicate my Child!

When are Child Dedications Held?

Child dedications are held twice a year at Clayton Church, during Sunday services on:

  • Mother’s Day

  • Father’s Day

Please look out for advertisements and announcements during Sunday services for upcoming dedication dates.

Registration is required prior to participating in a child dedication service.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6