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CHILD DEDICATION
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
We support your desire to raise your child with Christian principles, train him/her up in the things of the Lord, and to commit him/her to God’s care.
DEDICATING YOUR CHILD AT GCCP
A Child Dedication Service is a service where the parents promise to raise their child with Christian principles, train up the child in the things of the Lord, and to commit their child to God’s care. This follows the example of Jesus, who was dedicated in the Temple as a child.
It should be clarified that child dedication is NOT child baptism. The child does not automatically become a Christian. When the child grows up, he/she must still make a personal decision to trust Jesus Christ as his/her personal Savior.
Since this dedication service is a promise by the parents to raise their child with Christian principles according to the Bible, this child dedication should also be a recommitment on the part of the parent to walk more closely with the Lord, for how can parents teach their child the things of the Lord, if they are not exemplifying it in their own lives? That is why we require that the parents of the child demonstrate this by regularly attending one of the worship services of the church as a show of their commitment to walk with the Lord.
Application FAQ's
Who can dedicate their children at GCCP?
GCCP accepts children to be dedicated if at least one of the conditions below are met. Full details are found in the Child Dedication Packet.
At least one parent must be a Christian who has been regularly attending a GCCP worship service for at least 6 months PRIOR to the application.
If the parents have moved permanently abroad, at least one of the parents must have previously regularly attended GCCP for two (2) years and was a member of the church in good standing just prior to their migration.
At least one of the grandparents is regularly attending GCCP one (1) year PRIOR to application.
When should I dedicate my child?
Child dedication can happen at any time when the parents are spiritually ready to present themselves and the child before the Lord and before the church congregation.
When is the next child dedication?
GCCP will hold a rolling application for child dedication services throughout the year. What this means is that if you want to dedicate your child, please submit the application to the church as soon as possible.
Things to know before application
Both parents must agree to their child’s dedication at GCCP.
The application is not considered complete until all required documents are submitted.
Parents must meet with a GCCP pastor for an interview and final approval.
Documents required
Duly accomplished Child Dedication Application Form.
Certified copy of child(ren)’s PSA birth certificate.
Certified copy of parent’s marriage certificate.
A recommendation letter from the home church pastor testifying to the parents’ spiritual lives and regular church attendance (for those eligible through section B-2 or B-3 of the Child Dedication Guidelines and Policies).
Got Questions? We'd love to help.