Presentation of Children – Infant Baptism & Child Dedication

PBF families come from a variety of church backgrounds and traditions. To honor those backgrounds, parents may choose either infant baptism or child dedication for their child. Below, we compare the two so you can be a little more informed. If still undecided, we’d suggest you lean towards dedication.

SIMILARITIES

• Parental Commitment: Parent’s promise to guide their child toward faith in Jesus.
• Church Commitment: The church pledges to support the parents in nurturing the child’s faith.
• Belonging: The child is welcomed into the church family.
• Personal Faith: Neither ceremony ensures salvation; the child must choose to follow Jesus later.
• Symbolic element: Infant Baptism uses water on the head; dedication uses oil on the forehead.

DIFFERENCES

• Infant Baptism
  • Based on the belief that baptism is a sign of the New Covenant and God’s grace, similar to Old Testament practices like circumcision
  • Draws from biblical references to household baptisms (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Cor 1:16)
  • Practiced by these denominations: Presbyterian, Congregational, Lutheran, Anglican, and others
  • Usually done with babies less than 2 yrs old

• Child Dedication
  • Based on the belief that baptism should follow a personal decision to follow Jesus in a “believer’s baptism” ceremony
  • Draws from biblical examples of Hannah dedicating Samuel (1 Sam. 1:27-28) and Jesus being presented at the temple (Luke 2:22)
  • Practiced by these denominations: Baptist, Assemblies of God, Evangelical, many Non-denominational, and others
  • May be done with young children, not just babies

 PRE-REQUISITES

• Parents should be Christ-followers since they'll be affirming their faith in Jesus during the ceremony (see the questions below). If married and only one spouse is a believer, we’d love to have more of a conversation.
• At least one parent should be an active participant at Peninsula Bible Fellowship since the church is receiving your child into the church and you’re inviting their support as part of the ceremony.

 LOGISTICS

• The ceremony usually takes place early in the worship service.
• Families presenting their children will be invited to stand up front.
• You will be asked questions about your faith in Jesus and commitment to raise your child to follow Him
• The church will be asked to support and encourage you.
• The pastor will go to each child, asking for their name, speaking to them and baptizing/dedicating them.
  • During baptism, the pastor will take handfuls of water and drip them on the child’s head
  • During dedication the pastor will take oil and make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead. If you prefer oil isn’t use, let us know.
• The children’s pastor or a representative will stand beside you, symbolizing the church’s commitment to come alongside you and your child.
• You will be given a certificate and book at the end.
• We try to have one of our photographers assigned to take pictures but cannot guarantee that option. So, feel free to invite family and friends to take photos. Encourage them to sit near the front for better photos.

• There is no specific dress code. You can dress as casually or formally as you’d like.

HOW TO SIGN UP

• Complete the “Presentation of Children” registration form.
• Attach a decent quality photo of your child, preferable in landscape mode, to the registration. Or you can email it to pbfkids@peninsulabible.org.
• We’ll be in touch shortly before the ceremony to confirm your participation and other details.

QUESTIONS DURING THE CEREMONY

To the parents:

• Do you believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
• Do you rest upon the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ as your only merit of salvation?
• Do you covenant together with Christ's church to raise your child to know the Lord Jesus Christ and His way, to nurture and guide them, to instruct them according to the teaching of God's Holy Word, to lead them and guide them until that day that they are able to make a declaration of faith and recognizing that Jesus is their forever friend? Will you?

To the congregation:

• Having heard these parents' intent to raise their child in the reverence and the admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ, do we as members of Christ's Holy Church covenant together with them that we will love and pray for them, that we will support both them and their family, and join them in helping them to recognize the love God has for them? If so, say we will.

Questions? Need more info?  Contact Steve Mercer, Associate Pastor for Children & Families, at steve@peninsulabible.org or 360-276-1959.