Parents partnering with God as they raise their children.

Metro Life Church believes children are a gift from God, and we are very excited that you are investigating child dedication.

Child dedication is a public commitment you make before God, your church, and your family. The dedication service provides you, the parent(s), an opportunity to express publicly your desire to lead and spiritually nurture your child in cooperation with the Holy Spirit, so your child will develop a desire to love God and love others.

Listed below are frequently asked questions about child dedication. Take time to review them to find answers to any questions you may have. For unanswered questions, feel free to contact Melanie Mule or call (305) 592-5100.

Why ‘Dedicated’ And Not Baptized?
Children are a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 proclaims that “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.” As believers, we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in His goodness gives children as gifts to parents. They not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for these gifts, but they also have the wonderful privilege of enjoying them. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to Him.

The Bible calls for every person who has believed in Christ to be baptized. “…those who believed and accepted his message were baptized” ( Acts 2:41). “But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). “Simon himself believed and was baptized…” (Acts 8:13). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. Therefore, we do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe. Until that time, we dedicate these wonderful gifts back to the Lord.

Can a single parent participate in a child dedication service?
Yes! Child dedication signifies the commitment of parents (including single parents) to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Christ. Additionally, we highly encourage single parents to dedicate their child as they commit themselves to raise him or her without the presence or partnership of a spouse. The decision to dedicate a child is not dependent upon the beliefs of the ex-spouse; however we encourage single parents to discuss child dedication with their ex-spouse. Ideally, both parents—even if not married—would still commit to the dedication of their child to God. We acknowledge that this is often not possible, and that it takes extra effort for a single parent to raise a child. As a church, Metro Life is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.

Do I need to be a Metro Life member to have my child dedicated at Metro?
Yes, you must be a member of Metro Life Church to have your child dedicated in a group or public ceremony at Metro Life. We do encourage parents to make sure they are calling Metro Life their home church. Why? In dedicating your child to God, you are stating that you are willing to partner with God and the church to raise your child in cooperation with God’s intentions. To partner with any church, a parent would be wise to decide if he or she agrees with its beliefs and vision, so they can be all-in in their partnership with the church.

When you choose to become a member at Metro Life, you are stating that you agree with Metro Life’s beliefs and values, and that you want Metro Life to be your home church. For more information on membership, visit the membership page by clicking here.

To have your child dedicated at Metro Life:

• We ask parents to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• We ask parents to be sure their beliefs line up with Metro Life’s statements of belief.
• We ask parents to be contributing members who regularly attend Metro Life’s weekend services.
• We ask parents who are living together and who are not married to take steps to acknowledge and surrender to God’s plan for their relationship before participating in a child dedication service.
• Baby Dedications do not take place every month as they are scheduled only as the need arises.