As a child, Jesus was brought by His parents to the house of the Lord. This was an act of dedication and recognition of His belonging to God. Throughout His ministry, people brought children to Jesus as He placed His hands upon them and blessed them. Christians are to recognize that everything they have belongs to God, their children included. 

This dedication is not the salvation of the child, rather a public expression that they belong to God.

The dedication is more than a ceremony. It is a commitment by the parents to honor the will and the Word of God. As a part of the dedication, parents are asked to:

1. Publicly affirm their personal faith in Christ and renew their commitment to Him and His Word.
2. Pray daily for God’s direction in their own life and in the life of their child.
3. Faithfully participate in weekend Celebrations with their child.
4. Teach their child the truths of God’s Word in their home.
5. Anticipate and seek to lead their child to a personal faith in Christ as soon as he or she is ready.
6. Recognize that their child belongs to God and has been born to experience His love while serving Him.

Dedicating a Child

The dedication of a child by the parents is the entrusting of the little one to the Lord for His protection and for His purpose. There are two elements in dedicating a child: 

·   The first is the parents’ pre-commitment to consistently teach their child the truth of scripture, and to live a godly life before their child. 

·   The second is the commitment of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church to assist in the spiritual development of your child. 

Although we refer to this as "baby dedication," parents may dedicate a child of any age

Mount Pleasant Church Baby Dedication

In Luke 2:22 Mary and Joseph took Jesus to be presented to the Lord at the temple. We acknowledge our need for God's wisdom and strength to raise this child. The act of dedication says we want God's best for this child. We want to be a good steward in harmony with God's Word and so be worthy of imitating. Child dedication does not ensure salvation for a child; only personal salvation in Christ brings salvation. The dedication becomes public declaration of our desire as parents to raise this child in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians. 6:1-4).

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church defines Child Dedication as the parent’s willingness to partner with God and the Church in raising their child. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 is the Scriptural root for this type of dedication.

·      We expect parents to actively dedicate themselves to provide everything necessary for the growth of their child: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 and Proverbs 22:6)

·      The congregation commits to stand with you in the raising of your child — in encouraging you and your child in the years to come.

A Daily Decision for Godliness: The daily choices that you as a parent make to follow God and to love your child will impact your child's future greatly! Our prayer with you is that you make the same choice as Joshua when he said, "As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." ― Joshua 24:15

What Dedications are Not: We believe dedication is not a sacrament ― it cannot impart grace or salvation to your child. Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ as each individual recognizes his or her sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

What About Baptism: Baby Dedication at Mount Pleasant does not involve baptism. We believe that baptism is meant to take place after an individual plans to repent of their sin and accept Christ as their Savior. Understand that Baby Dedication is not an act whereby baby becomes a member, but it is following a Biblical principle whereby Jesus laid His hands on the little children and blessed them.  

Guidelines: 

Parents: Baby dedication is open to parents who can truthfully say, "I will commit myself to raising this child to know the Lord Jesus Christ by loving, disciplining, training, and setting a positive Christ like example." 

Single Parents: Under certain circumstances, single parents are allowed to participate in the baby dedication. 

Invitations: We encourage you to invite relatives and friends to this special event. Flash photography and video cameras are allowed during the dedication portion of the service. 

Pastor Anthony Bailey will challenge you and the congregation. He will then pray for you and your family. Also, as a pastor I desire and want the best for your family and child, therefore I give you my compassion as a Servant of GOD.

Do not worry if your child cries or fusses. This is a casual event. It has happened before and will happen again! 

You will receive a letter for your child and a certificate of dedication. 

Prior to the service, get your family together for a picture with Pastor Bailey. 

Possible Bible Verses for Your Child’s Dedication Service

During your child’s dedication you will be asked to introduce your child and personally read a Scripture verse or passage that you have chosen for your child. The following list provides you with a wide range of verses parents have used in the past.  You can choose one of the verses listed or come up with a different verse that you would like to use. 

Please indicate on your Baby Dedication Form which verse or passage you have chosen for your child.

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.

Dt. 4:9 Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them sup from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

Dt. 6:6-7 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon 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.

Luke 2:52 Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

1 Sam 2:26 The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.

Luke 1:80 The child grew and became strong in spirit.

Luke 2:40 The child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 

Judges 13:24-25 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the LORD blessed him.

1 Sam 2:21 The boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. 

2 Sam 5:10 He became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him.

Ps 22:10 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. 

Jos. 24:15 As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

 Dear Parent(s),

It is our hope and desire here at Mount Pleasant for the parents of each child being dedicated to the Lord to have a Biblical understanding of what “Baby Dedication” signifies. This is why we have asked you to read this material, and why we would like for you to help us by answering a few brief questions. Be assured that all of the information on this form will be kept confidential and is only for the purpose of assisting us in preparing for your child’s dedication.

Thank You Dr. Anthony W Bailey, Senior Pastor