Shore Fellowship Church encourages Parent & Child Dedication. This event takes place when parents are committed to standing before God and partnering with the church family to raise their children according to the principles found in God's Word.
Parents are committing to:
- Serving the local church faithfully
- Teaching the Word of God as absolute truth
- Praying for their child's salvation and growth in Christ
- Living as a Godly example
What's the difference between infant baptism & Parent/Child Dedication?
The Bible teaches salvation is the choice of each person. Salvation happens when a person recognizes their sin and receives forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Child Dedication is not baptism; it cannot impart grace or salvation to your child.
Baptism is an outward expression or symbol of that inward change that's taken place after salvation. Much like a wedding ring symbolizes the marriage commitment; each person is commanded by God to be baptized immediately after salvation. Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are a believer.
While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening/baptism, we understand the Bible teaches that only professing believers qualify for baptism. There are no babies or infants baptized in the Bible. Jesus Christ was himself baptized as an adult.
There are many verses in scripture explaining the importance of dedication and raising children in a Godly environment. See: Luke 2:21-22, Ephesians 2:8-9, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Samuel 1:27-28
We do ask that all parents take our Intro to Shore Life Class prior to dedicating their children. You can find out more information or sign up in our Next Steps area.