Child Dedications

It is Salem First Baptist’s tradition to offer Parent/Child Dedication services for infants. This is a special time of public ceremony and personal commitment when the parents promise to raise their child in the training and instruction of the Lord. Dedication services are held throughout the year on Sunday mornings during the Worship Service.

What is Parent/Child Dedication?

The tradition of Parent/Child dedication has ancient origins in the Bible. The Israelites, on the 8th day of a child’s life, brought their children to the priest for a blessing. Hannah (1 Samuel) brought Samuel to Eli, the priest, to dedicate him to the Lord. Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for his dedication.

We recognize that faith comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Faith is not passed on to a child through Parent/Child Dedication. Parents are promising to raise their child(ren) in the training and instruction of the Lord with the desire, that one day, their child will receive Jesus Christ as personal Savior.

Is dedication the same as infant baptism or christening?

Parent/Child Dedication is different from infant baptism or christening. While these rites are significant for a variety of faiths, it is the practice of SFB to dedicate children. Infant baptism was developed in early church history as a means to insure the salvation of infants before they could make a personal decision to trust Jesus Christ and become Christians. It was believed that if a child died, through baptism, he or she would be assured of a place in heaven. We believe, however, that scripture clearly sees infants automatically destined for heaven should they die before they reach an age at which they can understand the gospel and make the decision to receive Jesus Christ as personal Savior on their own. King David, after his child died said “I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:23) For more information or to register, please email dedication@fbcsalem.org or call the office at 503-364-2285 to set up an appointment with a pastor.