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Have questions? We have answers!
GENERAL infant and child dedication FAQ:
What exactly is infant and child dedication?
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God has given parents the most influence in the lives of their children, and dedicating your child is a way to commit to modeling what it means to follow Jesus. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to be perfect— no one is—but it does mean that you’re going to give them opportunities to explore who Jesus is. So it’s really more about your role as parents, than it is your children. Dedicating your child is a way to commit, in front of God and your faith community, to teaching your kids what it means to follow Jesus. We recommend Dedication over Baptism for children 0-6 years of age.
If your child is younger than 6 years of age but you believe they may be ready for Baptism please email our Children's Pastor, here. Our Children's Pastor can discuss with you and your child what Baptism means and recommend them for the event if they are spiritually ready.
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​Mark 16:16 & Acts 2:37-38
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What is the difference between dedicating and baptizing a child?
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There is a long tradition in some Christian denominations of Baptizing infants. This practice comes from the belief that Baptism replaced circumcision as the mark of the covenant between God and his people. In the Old Testament, boys were circumcised to picture the covenant God had made. In the New Testament, Baptism was the sign of the new covenant God had made through the death of Jesus.
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At Crossroads we have chosen to Dedicate children and infants for concern that an infant/child Baptism may be confused with a believer’s Baptism (where an individual publicly acknowledges his decision to follow Jesus). Some parents would prefer that children are only Baptized once, after they have made a personal decision to follow Jesus.
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In conclusion, at some point every child will have to personally choose to follow Jesus when they are older. Infant/child Dedication does not affect a child’s salvation; it is a commitment that parents make to God, declaring that they will do their best to raise their child to love and follow him.
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Are there pre-requisites for having my child dedicated ?
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It is important that the family considering a Dedication be closely connected to the church community, as both the parents and faith community commit to play a part in the spiritual development of the child. That is why we ask the following requirements be met prior to the ceremony:
1. At least one parent must be a Christ-follower. Because Crossroads is a community for those who are seeking spiritual truth, many in our community have not yet made a commitment to follow Jesus.
We want people to be free to investigate for as long as they would like, but it is important that at least one parent has a personal relationship with Jesus in order to guide their child’s spiritual formation.
2. At least one parent must attend Crossroads.
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Can we invite friends and family to the ceremony?
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Absolutely! As this is a commitment on the part of parents AND their faith community, we encourage friends and family to attend. Some family members or friends even choose to participate in the ceremony by standing with the family on stage.
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how do I sign up to participate?
If you would like to register for one of our Dedication services please click, here.​
ceremony logistics:
DO I NEED TO REGISTER AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes. We provide a gift for each child being Dedicated. We ask that you register in advance so that we can be prepared for your family. You can register here.
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DO I NEED TO CHECK IN BEFORE ENTERING THE SERVICE?
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No. As long as you have registered ahead of time, you are all set.
DO I HAVE TO DRESS UP?
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No, you’re welcome to wear anything you’d like.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PARENTS DURING THE CEREMONY?
Parents will stand on stage with their children during the Dedication. Once the ceremony is complete, a Pastor will come over and pray over your child and family.
WILL PICTURES BE TAKEN DURING THE CEREMONY, AND IF SO, CAN WE GET A COPY?
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Yes, Crossroads will provide a volunteer photographer to take pictures during the ceremony. However, you are welcome and highly encouraged to have a friend or family member take your own photos or videos for immediate use.
HOW LONG WILL THE DEDICATION LAST?
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About 30 minutes. It takes place in the sanctuary right after the 3rd service has ended.
WHAT ABOUT MY OLDER CHILDREN?
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Older children are welcome to join your family on stage for the dedication. Please pick up any other children on campus in childcare first and then return to the sanctuary immediately following 3rd service.
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IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND SCRIPTURES FOR DEDICATION:
Will you love your child unconditionally, recognizing that God has designed each person with unique gifts and for a special purpose?
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Will you model what following Jesus looks like by loving God with all your heart, soul and strength?
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Will you teach your child by example that the Bible is God’s word and that learning his truth is valuable and applicable to our lives every day? Proverbs 3:5-6
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Will you pray for and with your child, teaching him or her to turn to God with every request and to give God thanks even when it’s hard? Philippians 4:6 ​
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Will you routinely look for opportunities to spend time in community with others who follow Jesus?
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do you have a question that wasn't addressed?
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No, worries! We're happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please email us your questions at info@crcbelton.com.​​