Child Dedication

What does the Bible say about child dedication?

Scripture clearly teaches that children are precious in the sight of God and their care and protection is entrusted to their parents. The Bible refers to godly parents dedicating their children to the Lord and His service.

• Hannah brought her child Samuel and dedicated him to the Lord and His service. (I Samuel 1:28)
• Moses challenged parents to learn God's word so they in turn could teach it to their children. (Deuteronomy 6:6 and 7, 11:8-21)
• Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the Temple and presented Him to God. (Luke 2:22)
• Our Lord, Himself, received children and took them into His arms and put His hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)

We, therefore, have confidence in God's approval of the dedication of our children to Him and His service.

What does child dedication mean?

For the Parents:

• The dedication of a child is the public testimony by parents that they acknowledge their child is a gift from God and for whose nurture and welfare they are responsible.
• It entails a public declaration, on the part of the parents, that they will ensure their child is instructed in the Word of God, guided in Christian living and let to seek a personal relationship with Christ

For the Child:

• It is a setting apart of the child for God and His service.
• The actual dedication entails the minister holding the child or placing his hand on the child as he prays for God's blessing upon the child.

For Family and Friends:

• It is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge their support of the parents in fulfilling their vows.

When and Where does it take place?

Child dedications usually take place in the sanctuary during a worship service. This enables the Chruch family to celebrate together. Alternatively you can also arrange to have a Pastor come to your home to perform the dedication as well, in a more personal informal setting.

Other arrangements for time and location are possible upon discussion with a member of the pastoral staff.

Baptism

Believer's Baptism is

• a public profession of faith in Christ and a commitment to follow Him.
• a symbolic expression of what happened to Christ; his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
• a testimony to others of the power of Christ.

Believer's Baptism is not

• a means of salvation. We are not saved by the act of baptism. Rather, we are baptized as a sign of our salvation.
• an ordinance for infants. Baptism follows the personal faith of the participant.

Why Consider Being Baptised?

• Water baptism is the normal pattern for the new believer. Account upon account recorded in the Book of Acts, reveals baptism immediately followed conversion to Christ. It, therefore, becomes a significant step in establishing the new believer's faith (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 8:37-38; 9:17-18; 16:33).
• Jesus was baptized and we are to follow his example (Matt. 3:14-15).
• Baptism is an act of obedience. Our Lord commanded that we should, "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them ..." (Matthew 28:19a)
• The early Christians who were taught by Christ and the Apostles practised baptism and we follow their example.

How can I be baptised?

• Baptism is available to anyone who has placed his/her trust of salvation in the atoning act of Jesus Christ.
• Individuals are baptized following completion of a baptism class and an interview with a member of the pastoral staff.
• Baptismal services are usually held at least once a quarter.

Membership

Membership is

• the spiritual brotherhood of all born again Christians. We are one body with Christ as our head.
• the physical identification with a local body of believers. We are a spiritual family that worships together. We grow in our faith while receiving love and support.

Membership is not

• a means of salvation. We are not saved by becoming a member of Hillcrest Church or any other Church.
• a specific command found in Scripture. However, Scripture does speak about Christians being committed to the body of Christ, being part of His Church which is found in particular locations. Many books of the New Testament were letters written to local churches instructing their fellowship together.

Why consider becoming a member?

• A church family identifies you as a genuine believer and shows your commitment to Christ and His church. You can't claim to be following Christ if You're not committed to any specific group of disciples. Jesus said, "Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." - John 13:35 (NLT)
• A church family moves you out of isolation and gives you the opportunity to experience Christian unity. The local church is the classroom for learning how to get along in God's family. With the increased involvement in ministry that generally accompanies church membership, you have a greater opportunity to experience the unity found when Christians work together. As a participating member you learn to care about others and share the experiences of others: "If one part of the body suffers, all the other parts suffer with it. Or if one part of our body is honored, all the other parts share its honor." - 1 Cor. 12:26 (NCV)
• A church family helps you develop spiritual muscle. You will never grow to maturity just by attending worship services and being a passive spectator. Only participation in the full life of a local church builds spiritual muscle. The Bible says, "As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." - Eph. 416b (NLT)
• The Body of Christ needs you. God has a unique role for you to play in his family. This is called your "ministry", and God has gifted you for this assignment: "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire Church" - 1 Cor. 12:7 (NLT)
• You will share in Christ's mission in the world.When Jesus walked the earth, God worked through the physical body of Christ; today he uses his spiritual body. The church is God's instrument on earth. "He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing." - Eph. 2:10 (MSG)
• A church family will help keep you from backsliding. None of us are immune to temptation. Given the right situation, you and I are capable of any sin. God knows this, so he has assigned us as individuals the responsibility of keeping each other on track. The Bible says, "Encourage one another daily so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." - Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

How can I become a member?

Membership is available to anyone who has placed his or her trust for salvation in the atoning act of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and who agrees with the doctrine and policies of Hillcrest Church.

Individuals are recommended for membership in Hillcrest Church following the completion of a membership class and an interview with a member of the pastoral staff. Membership classes are held regularly throughout the year. THe receiving of members includes a public verbal commitment to the Church which takes place during a Sunday morning service approximately twice a year.