What Is Baby Dedication?
Baby Dedication is not salvation or baptism for a child. It is a public commitment made by parents or guardians before God and their church community.
Through dedication, parents commit to intentionally teach their child about God, model a life of faith, pray for their child, and raise them according to biblical principles.
The church also acknowledges its responsibility to encourage, pray for, and support families as they nurture their children's faith.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.”
Mark 10:13, 16
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them… And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Why Do We Dedicate Children?
Throughout Scripture, we see parents acknowledging that their children belong ultimately to God and accepting the responsibility of raising them to know Him.
In 1 Samuel 1:27–28, Hannah acknowledged that Samuel was an answer to prayer and dedicated him to the Lord.
In Luke 2:22, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple and presented Him to the Lord.
Baby Dedication gives families an opportunity to publicly acknowledge that same biblical responsibility: God has entrusted this child to us, and we commit to raising this child to know and honor Him.
Baby Dedication or Baptism?
At Encounter Church Atlanta, Baby Dedication is available for children ages 6 and under.
For children ages 7 and older who understand the Gospel, have personally placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and desire to publicly identify with Him, we encourage families to explore Water Baptism.
We do not practice infant baptism because we understand water baptism in Scripture as a response to personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Baby Dedication does not make a child a Christian or replace the child’s future personal decision to follow Jesus. Instead, it expresses the parents’ commitment to nurture their child’s faith until the child is able to make that decision personally.
Myths & Misconceptions About Baby Dedication
Baby Dedication is not an act of salvation. Salvation comes through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Dedication represents the parents’ commitment to raise their child in an environment where they can come to know and follow Christ for themselves.
They are different practices. At Encounter Atlanta, we dedicate young children and reserve water baptism for individuals who are able to personally understand and profess their faith in Jesus Christ.
The ceremony is only the beginning. The heart of Baby Dedication is the commitment parents make to consistently model, teach, pray, worship, and cultivate a Christ-centered home as their child grows.
Baby Dedications are held on designated dates selected by Bishop Gabe. Completing the request form expresses your family’s interest but does not reserve or guarantee a particular date.
When the next Baby Dedication Service is scheduled, our team will contact eligible families with active requests regarding participation.
Ready to Dedicate Your Child?
We'd be honored to walk alongside your family in this meaningful commitment. Complete our Baby Dedication Request Form to let us know you're interested in an upcoming service — once Bishop Gabe sets the next date, our team will reach out to families with active requests.
Please note: submitting this form is a request, not confirmation of participation.