Welcome to REBIRTH House of Hope’s Baby Dedication Page. If you are interested in information about baby dedication or if you want to have your baby dedicated we ask that you please review our Baby Dedication Policy below. After you have read our policy, you may complete the Baby Dedication Form, save it, and return it to our administration office through our e-mail rbhoh16@gmail.com . Please include the baby’s name & “Baby Dedication in the subject line.
Baby Dedication Policy
THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM
REBIRTH House of Hope, Inc. is a non-denomination church organization however, we stand firm in biblical truths without allegiance outside of the bible. We do not condone, adhere to or affirm the act of infant baptisms. Based upon scriptural reference we believe without reservation that the Word of God clearly teaches that baptism is administered based on a profession of one’s faith.
As early as your child is able to understand and make an open confession of Jesus Christ, we will be more than happy to administer the ordinance of baptism and celebrate with you and your family. We believe that baptism serves as an outward expression of what has happened inwardly (spiritually) to the candidate. Baptism is a demonstration of the death and burial of the old man; indicated by the submerging of the candidate in water until he/she is buried (completely covered) by the water. This symbolizing the death and burial of Jesus Christ. The candidate is then lifted out of the water indicative of the rising of Jesus Christ from the grave with all power and victory.
WHAT IS A BABY DEDICATION?
REBIRTH House of Hope, Inc. is committed to the ministry of the entire family. We understand the value and the need for a Spiritual resource within the community whereby families can come for Spiritual guidance, intervention, religious services and support regardless of their membership status, ethnic background or any other inherent factors. We reserve the right to deny all request that contradict biblical doctrine, the bylaws of REBIRTH House of Hope, Inc. and local and state government laws.
The REBIRTH commitment to family ministry affords us the opportunity to build lifelong relationships, help foster children and young adults that are confident in who they are and why they were created. As parents GOD requires that we teach our children the ways of righteousness. Righteousness simply means as parents we teach our children right from wrong. By dedicating your child to GOD, you are making a commitment before the Lord to surrender the life of the child to the will of GOD for his/her life and to raise that child according to God’s Word and principals. As Christian parents you are not just dedicating your child to GOD; you too are dedicating your life to do everything within your power to raise the child in a godly manner until such time as the child is able to make a decision on their own to choose Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their life. Parents are commanded to love God; if they truly wish for their children to one day love and follow GOD, their lives must be an example. See the following scripture:
- Deuteronomy 6: 4 – 9 KJV 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Parent are the role models the child will need by demonstrating examples of godliness, as well as modeling grace and forgiveness in their lives and in the home. The child will learn the love of others as the parents participate in a community of faith, fellowship, discipleship, and Christian service.
If your family has elected to include Godparents in your child’s life, they are also welcomed to take part in the dedication of your child. They are invited to join you and your family at the alter during the time of the dedication as an indication of their supportive role. If you plan to incorporate the godparents in a speaking role during the ceremony, please notify the Pastor during your initial meeting to schedule your child’s dedication.
THE BIBLE AND BABY DEDICATIONS
You may be wondering if dedicating your child has any biblical precedence; at REBIRTH we assure you that the Bible teaches us that children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from GOD. (See Psalm 127:3) NLT. As Christian parents, we recognize that our children belong to GOD first and then GOD passes the baton of responsibility to the parent. In 1 Samuel 1 Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord. In Luke 2:22 we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord. The Bible is the source of the doctrine we preach, teach, and live by at REBIRTH House of Hope. Baby dedications have long since be a way to foster a connection between children and GOD until their child is able to confess and choose Jesus Christ as their personal savior.
Consider the following questions to help you make the decision to dedicate your child without reservation. Each question is designed to give the parents the opportunity to examine themselves and evaluate their commitment to maintaining a Christian home whereby the child or children can flourish and grow in the admonition of GOD.
- Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and might?
- Do you want to train your children to love the Lord?
- Do you have a plan to train them in the way they should go?
- Do you set a good example for your children to follow?
- Do you know the doctrines of the Bible?
- Do you know the disciplines of the faith?
- Do you know the books of the Bible?
- Do you have a regular time of devotion for yourselves?
- Do have a regular time of devotions as a couple or for the entire family?
- Do both parents have the same fundamental Christian beliefs?
SCHEDULING A CONSULTATION FOR YOUR BABY DEDICATION
Parents may contact the Church secretary by phone or email to schedule a meeting with the Pastor to discuss your desire to have your child dedicated to the Lord. The consult is usually less than 1 hour and can include the godparents or other significant parties at the discretion of the parents. Only request submitted by the parent(s) will be considered. No member of the extended family can schedule a baby dedication. A member of the ministerial staff or the secretary will confirm the meeting with the parents.
The Pastor will provide the parents with a “Baby Dedication Form” which the parents will be required to complete and return to the Church office. The form provides information that will be used to complete the Dedication Certificate as well as Church records. The Baby Dedication Form, the Baby Dedication Policy, and the Baby Dedication handout can be downloaded from our website, printed, or completed for the consultation with the Pastor.
After your consultation with the Pastor and scheduling of your baby’s dedication you will receive a copy of the dedication order of service with your Covenant as Parents.
We are excited for you and your family. If you have any questions, please contact the Church.