1. PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

This policy provides biblical, pastoral, and procedural guidance for the practice of child dedication at Evangelical Faith Church. It seeks to ensure that child dedication services:

  • Honour God

  • Affirm biblical teaching on children and parenting

  • Support parents in their spiritual responsibility

  • Uphold the order, doctrine, and witness of the Church

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.”
— Psalm 127:3

2. BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

2.1 The Church affirms that children are gifts from God and are to be nurtured in the knowledge, love, and fear of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Proverbs 22:6

2.2 Child dedication is a public act of commitment, in which parents (or guardians):

  • Acknowledge God’s sovereignty over the child’s life

  • Commit to raising the child according to biblical principles

  • Seek the prayer and support of the Church community

2.3 Child dedication is not a sacrament, does not confer salvation, and does not replace personal faith or baptism.

Mark 10:13–16; Matthew 19:14

3. DEFINITION OF CHILD DEDICATION

Child dedication is defined as:

A public act in which believing parents or guardians present their child before God and the Church, committing themselves to raise the child in a Christ-centred home, and inviting the Church to support them through prayer and discipleship.

4. SCOPE OF THE POLICY

This policy applies to:

  • Dedication of infants and young children

  • Dedication services conducted during public worship

  • Dedication services conducted by authorised church ministers

5. ELIGIBILITY FOR CHILD DEDICATION

5.1 Parents or Guardians

Child dedication is available where:

  • At least one parent or legal guardian is a committed Christian

  • The parents or guardians agree to raise the child in the Christian faith

  • The family is under the pastoral care of the Church, or approval is granted by the Pastor or Elders Council

5.2 Children

  • Child dedication is appropriate for infants and young children who are not yet of personal accountability or able to make a personal confession of faith.

The Church reserves the right to postpone or decline dedication where the stated commitments cannot be affirmed in good faith.

6. AUTHORITY AND OVERSIGHT

6.1 All child dedication services conducted under the Church’s name are subject to the oversight of the Elders Council.

6.2 Dedication services shall be conducted by:

  • Ordained ministers of the Church, or

  • Other authorised ministers approved by the Elders Council

“Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40

7. PRE-DEDICATION PREPARATION

7.1 Parents or guardians shall normally participate in pre-dedication instruction, which may include:

  • The biblical meaning of child dedication

  • Parental responsibility in Christian upbringing

  • The role of the Church in supporting families

7.2 Participation in instruction is intended to ensure understanding, not to create unnecessary barriers.

8. CONDUCT OF THE DEDICATION SERVICE

8.1 Nature of the Service

Child dedication shall:

  • Be conducted in a reverent and worshipful manner

  • Take place during a regular worship service or a designated church service

  • Include Scripture reading, prayer, and public commitment

8.2 Parental Commitment

Parents or guardians shall be asked to publicly affirm their commitment to:

  • Love and care for the child

  • Teach the child the Word of God

  • Model Christian faith and conduct

  • Bring the child up in the fellowship of the Church

8.3 Congregational Commitment

The congregation may be invited to affirm its commitment to:

  • Pray for the child and family

  • Support the child’s spiritual growth

  • Encourage godly living within the Church community

9. CULTURAL PRACTICES

9.1 Cultural expressions related to childbirth and naming may be acknowledged, provided they:

  • Do not contradict Scripture

  • Do not involve superstition, ancestor worship, or unbiblical rituals

9.2 Practices inconsistent with Christian faith shall not be conducted under church authority or during dedication services.

10. FEES AND FINANCIAL MATTERS

10.1 The Church does not charge for child dedication services.

10.2 No minister shall demand or negotiate fees in relation to child dedication.

Voluntary thanksgiving offerings may be given at the discretion of the family.

“Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8

11. PASTORAL CARE AND FOLLOW-UP

11.1 The Church commits to:

  • Ongoing prayer for dedicated children and families

  • Inclusion of children in age-appropriate discipleship and ministry programmes

  • Encouragement of parents in their parenting journey

11.2 Parents are encouraged to guide children toward:

  • Personal faith in Christ

  • Baptism upon confession of faith

  • Active participation in church life

12. EXCEPTIONS AND DISPUTES

12.1 Any exception to this policy must be approved by the Elders Council.

12.2 Disputes shall be handled pastorally, confidentially, and in accordance with church governance and Scripture.

13. AMENDMENT OF THIS POLICY

This policy may be amended by:

  • The Urgent Mission Council, and

  • Elders Council and Congregational approval where required by the Church Constitution

All amendments must remain consistent with Scripture.

14. CONCLUSION

Child dedication is an act of gratitude, faith, and hope. Through it, parents acknowledge God’s gift and commit to raising children who know and honour the Lord, with the prayerful support of the Church.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.”
— Deuteronomy 6:6–7