Church Resources
Older Children Dedication Ceremony Before the Congregation
Dedication of [child’s name] and [child’s name]
[Date]
Pastor: In Ephesians, we read, "His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family."
Following God’s example, you are bringing [child’s name] and [child’s name] before God and this congregation to recognize their adoption into your family and your commitment to them. You are also dedicating to God and His service these children whom God has given into your care.
By this act, you show your faith in the Christian religion and your desire that your children become consecrated to God. You are asking that they be supported in prayer by their family and this church family as they learn to know and follow the will of God and ultimately attain everlasting life in heaven.
To help follow God, it will be your duty as family members to teach [child’s name] and [child’s name] the fear of the Lord; to watch over their education, that they not be led in the wrong way by false teachings; to direct their minds to the Word of God as the authority for all mankind; to worship in the house of God; to keep them from friends who would lead them into bad habits; and with as much strength as there is in you, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Will you endeavor to do so with the help of the Lord?
Family answers: We will.
Mark 10:13-16 NIV:
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Pastor: (Ask the parents the full name of each child to be dedicated.) Place your hands on the child’s head and say: “On behalf of your family and this congregation, I dedicate [child’s name] to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Pastor: Repeat for second child.
Pastor: Closing prayer
Three tapered candles are in the front of the church representing [child’s name] and [child’s name]’s birthfamily and the love they shared that brought light into their lives; the foster families and the joy they added; and finally, the adoptive family, who welcomes them with much love.
The center three-wick candle represents God’s love in the form of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Pastor: May your family always share the light and love God has given you and those around you.
Long ago, even before he made the world,
God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy
And without fault in his eyes.
His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into
his own family by bringing us to himself though Jesus Christ.
And this gave him great pleasure.
So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured
Out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son.
He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom
Through the blood of his son,
And our sins are forgiven…
God’s secret plan has now been revealed to us;
It is a plan centered on Christ,
Designed long ago according to His good pleasure.
And this is his plan:
At the right time He will bring everything together
Under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.
Furthermore, because of Christ,
We have received an inheritance from God,
For he chose us from the beginning,
And all things happen just as he decided long ago.
Inspired by Ephesians 1:4-7, 9-11 NLT