Child Dedications

Committing to Raise Your Child to Follow Jesus

So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life, he will be given over to the LORD...   1 Samuel 1:28

What is Child Dedication?

Child dedication is a beautiful practice at which parents publicly commit before God and their church family to raise their child(ren) to follow Jesus. This means that they recognize that their child(ren) are a gift from God, entrusted to them. It means that they will model personal faith, lead a home that honors God, and provide an environment that shares the love of Jesus regularly and introduces the gift of salvation and nurtures the growth of their child(ren) who accept that gift.

At the dedication, the church family in turn makes a commitment to partner with the parents to share the transforming love of Jesus with their child(ren) through prayer, volunteering, mentoring, and other ways that will contribute to their child(ren)'s faith journey.

Dedication vs. Baptism

Child dedication is a commitment made by parents to point  them to Jesus. Baptism is for those who have made their own decision to follow Jesus.  

At Ventura Missionary, we offer child dedication to parents (including single parents) who are believers in Christ and are committed to raise their children to know and follow Him.

We offer baptism to children who are old enough to understand the gospel and have decided in their own hearts to accept the gift of salvation through Christ and to follow Him for the rest of their lives. Scripture provides evidence that Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48); it is not something we can do for someone else. 

Our Next Child Dedication:

April 28, 2024

Our next Child Dedications will take place on Sunday, April 28 in our 9:00 and 11:00 am services. Families who plan to participate will need to attend the:
 Child Dedication Class and Lunch
Sunday, April 21, 12:30-2:00 pm, Family Room.

To find out more information and to register, click the button below.