We are often asked why we don't baptise infants. The following information will hopefully explain the difference between a Christening Service (such as you would have at a C of E church) and a Dedication Service (or Infant Presentation as it is sometimes called) that you would have at a Baptist Church.

Dedication Services (Infant Presentation)

The basis for these services of welcome we take from the Bible, where the gospels tell us Jesus welcomed little children, placed his hands on them and blessed them:

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. " (Mark 10:13-16)

So the high point of a Dedication Service is where we pray in Jesus’ name for God’s blessing on your child. We also pray for the parent or parents, as together we commit ourselves to provide the context in home and church, for your child to be given the best opportunity to grow towards faith in Jesus.

In the service, we also take time to give thanks to God for the birth of the child; we make promises - both parent/s, family members and the congregation; we name the child; and we present him or her to the Church.

What about older children?

Most commonly, the children brought to dedications are under a year old, but sometimes, parents of older children seek a dedication service for their children. This is particularly common where they have started coming to church some time after the birth of their children.
Sometimes the children involved are as old as 6 or 8. In such cases where the child is old enough to appreciate something of what’s going on, it’s a good idea for us to talk it through with them, so they can enter the experience positively.

What about baptism?

The Dedication Service is of course a little different from those in other churches called ‘christenings’ or ‘infant baptisms’. This is because we are a Baptist Church, and believe that baptism should be as we find it in the Bible, that is, as an expression of faith. This difference means that we do not claim that our dedication service makes a person a Christian or makes them a committed Church Member.

Instead we believe individuals become Christian through the grace of God as they respond in faith to God, accepting Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of their lives. Baptism and church membership follow this expression of faith.

What if there is only one parent?

Some families are single-parent families. You are of course just as welcome to present your child to God, and to seek his blessing on your child.

For more details of our church, please email the church secretary on rmalin@aol.com