Deuteronomy 6:4-7 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
It’s exciting whenever a new child enters a family! There’s no greater moment when parents sense that children are a gift from God. Dedicating a child acknowledges God’s sovereignty, not only over the child, but also Mom and Dad.
Baby Dedication is an important opportunity for parents to bring the child(ren) to the pastor in front of the congregation. There, through a responsive reading, the parents agree to raise the child up to know God according to God’s Word and God’s ways. The Mount Hope congregation then promises to pray for, love, and encourage the family and child. The pastor prays over the child and parents.
According to Deuteronomy 6:4-7, first, it commands parents to love God; if they wish for their child to one day love and follow God, their lives must be an example. Secondly, Deuteronomy makes clear that the duty of teaching children belongs to parents. Sunday schools can provide weekly instruction, but parents must seize the teachable moments that arise throughout life. Then, when the child is old enough to commit to follow Christ as Lord and Savior, they can personally make that decision and publicly profess their faith through baptism.
If you have already completed Basecamp at Mount Hope and would like to dedicate a child, please fill out the Child Dedication Information Form.
If you would like to dedicate a child but have not completed Basecamp, please click here to find an upcoming session.