What is Infant Dedication?
Infant dedication is a ceremony where parents commit, in front of God and their faith community, to raising their child to follow Jesus. It’s more about the parents’ role in teaching and guiding their child in faith rather than about the child. It’s an opportunity to model Christian values and help the child explore the Gospel as they grow.
Dedicating vs. Baptizing
Some Christian traditions baptize infants as a sign of God's covenant, but in churches like Peninsula Bible Fellowship, baptism is reserved for when someone is old enough to personally profess their faith in Jesus. Instead of baptism, infants are dedicated, with the understanding that they will later choose for themselves to follow Jesus. PBF will consider infant baptism upon request.
Key Commitments in Infant Dedication
• Parents commit to being the primary spiritual leaders in their child's life.
• They promise to teach their child about God and guide them towards faith in Christ.
• They aim to model God’s love and raise the child in the church community.
Requirements
For an infant dedication or baptism, both parents should be Christ-followers and active members of the church.
Ceremony and Invitations
Dedications usually take place during a Sunday service, but families can also choose to have a private ceremony. Friends and family are welcome to attend.
How to Sign Up:
1. Complete the Child Dedication form online.
2. Email a current, high-quality picture of your child (landscape mode) to pbfkids@peninsulabible.org.
3. After we receive your form, we’ll contact you with confirmation and next steps.
Logistics:
• Dress Code: No specific dress code. You can choose comfortable clothing or a special dedication outfit for your child.
• Timing and Location: Choose a service time for the dedication. The ceremony will be held early in the service, usually after the first two worship songs.
During the Dedication:
1. Stand up front with your child (there may be other families with you).
2. The pastor will ask questions to all the families, then to the congregation.
3. The pastor will ask for your child’s name, take your child, and hold them while making the sign of the cross with oil and praying.
4. If you prefer no oil, let us know.
5. The children's pastor or a representative will stand with you, symbolizing the church's commitment to support your child's growth in faith.
Photos:
• We don’t guarantee that we’ll have a photographer, though we often do. You may have your family and friends take photos. Suggest they sit near the front for the best angles.
