At First Friends Church we believe children are a heritage and gift from God (Ps. 127:3). Therefore, we offer families an opportunity to publicly recognize each child as a gift from the Lord, and dedicate him/her to God's purposes on earth.

Secondly, with this gift comes the responsibility to raise children according to the principles found in His Word. This public dedication is also when parents, along with other family and friends, dedicate themselves to this high calling.

Thirdly, we believe the "body of Christ", the Church, is called to come alongside families and assist them in loving and educating children. Therefore we commit together to "train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it". (Prov. 22:6)

Child dedication is NOT...
the means of Salvation and eternal life in heaven for the child. Children have the opportunity to accept the free gift of eternal life when they are old enough to understand sin, forgiveness and their need for a Savior. Until that time, we believe children are covered by God's grace.

What are parents pledging as they dedicate their child, and themselves, to God?

• To personally accept the free gift of eternal life and trust in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.
• To live their lives in such a way their child will learn about the Christian life through their example.
• To teach their child about Christ in the home and how to live a life patterned after his Word.
• To bring their child to church regularly to experience worship and Christian Education with other children, at a developmental level that is age-appropriate.

What is required to dedicate our Child?
The "Child Dedication Class" is a one session class where we explain the Child Dedication process in more detail. It is required for all families who want to publicly make this commitment to God and the Church.