Here at West Windsor Baptist Church, we love families and kids, and want to do all we can to support, encourage, and disciple them. One question that might come up for a family with children is: can I baptize my baby here? We believe baptism is an important practice of the church that we pray happens quite frequently here. However, we believe the Bible teaches that baptism is for believers (to find out more about our beliefs about baptism, click here). So instead of baptism, we offer families the opportunity to participate in child dedication. 

What is Child Dedication?

The Bible is very clear: salvation is a supernatural work of God which occurs by grace through faith. In other words, humans do not have the power to save people; that is God’s job. This is particularly relevant information for parents. No parent—no matter how Godly or faithful they are—can save their kids. However, at the very same time, almost paradoxically, parents are given a very important spiritual role in the lives of their kids to diligently teach their kids about God (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:4). God expects Christian parents to take seriously their responsibility to pray for and teach their kids—all the while trusting God to save them. A child dedication is a formal way for parents to communicate their intention to embrace this biblical calling and for a church family to join them in this endeavor.

How does it work?

A child dedication is a short ceremony that takes place during a corporate worship gathering in which parents bring their child before the congregation. The parents are asked to publicly affirm the following: (1) their child is a gift of God, (2) their child is a sinner and needs God’s grace to save them, and (3) their desire to model and teach their child about the grace of God in Jesus. Then the congregation is asked to join this family in modeling and teaching this child about the grace of God in Jesus. The ceremony ends with a pastor praying over the family. 

Who is it for? 

Child dedication is for any Christian parents who have kids. Typically parents bring their children when they are younger, but the meaning of the ceremony is more important than the age of the child. Parents do not have to be members of the church, however we do ask that families call West Windsor Baptist home. This is because a child's dedication is in essence communicating a willingness to partner with the church to raise the child.

When does it happen?

Parents who would like to dedicate their child are asked to fill out a form and meet with a pastor. The meeting with the pastor ensures that the parents understand the purpose of a child dedication. They will then work with the pastors to schedule a date that works for both parties.