Dedications are a big deal at Imperial Beach Church. In order to make it a memorable and intimate event for the families, we offer dedications at various times throughout the year.
This covenant made with God is not just between you and Him; it is also a commitment from your pastors, your family, and your close friends to support you as parents to train your child up in the ways of the Lord. Imperial Beach Church does not charge for dedications. This is a service we provide to our members.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the specific requirements to have our child dedicated at Imperial Beach Church?
The father or mother of the child must be a member of Imperial Beach Church. (Attended Starting Steps class with signed membership agreement)
And both attend Child Dedication Information Class.
- Who gets to go on stage with the child?
Immediate family (parents and siblings) of the child being dedicated will be called up to stand with the pastor for prayer.
- What time should our family get to church on the day of the dedication?
We ask for you to arrive 45 minutes prior to the dedication.
Biblical Principles behind Child Dedications
- Children are a gift from God
- “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.” - Psalm 127:
- “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” - Psalm 139:13,14
- Therefore, we receive our children from Him with a heart of thanksgiving.
- God has a purpose and a plan for each of His children:
- “All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.” - Psalm 139:16
- “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10
- “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11
- Therefore, we ask that His will be revealed and released in the lives of our children.
- Jesus encouraged His disciples to bring the children to Him:
- “People were bringing little children to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.” - Mark 10:13-16
- Therefore, we bring our children to Jesus in prayer to ask for His blessing.
- Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God:
- “Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them…so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life… 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.” - Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:2, 6-7
- “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.” - Psalm 78:6
- “Parents do no exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and in the instruction of the Lord.” - Ephesians 6:1-4
- “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” - Proverbs 14:26
- Therefore, we accept our responsibility and commit ourselves to a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and to raising our children in the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- “As a result of our relationship with God, our homes will be characterized by …. the fruit of His Spirit, filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” - Galatians 5:22
- Practical ways to guide your children into a relationship with Christ:
- Continue to develop your own personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible reading, joining a Growth Group, and obedience to God’s Word.
- Attend church regularly as a family. Here at Imperial Beach Church, we begin teaching children lessons from the Bible at age two. Talk to your children about what they learned at church and share what you learned as well.
- Develop Christian relationships with other parents who can be mentors, offer support and encouragement and friendship. Growth Groups are a great place to develop these friendships. If you want more information about getting connected to a Growth Group, visit our Growth Group page or email [email protected].
- Talk about your faith and read from the Bible at home. Encourage your children to begin memorizing scripture as soon as they are able. Pray with and for your children daily.
- Look for opportunities to develop your Christian parenting skills through books, seminars, classes and growth group opportunities.