Baby Dedication & Child Blessing

A Moment You'll Never Forget.

A simple, meaningful way to dedicate your child to God and commit to raising them in faith.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

— Proverbs 22:6

So… What Is Baby Dedication & Child Blessing?

This is one of those moments you’ll look back on and be really glad you did.

Baby Dedication & Child Blessing is a time where you, as a parent, make a simple but powerful decision:

To raise your child in a way that points them to God.

It’s not about being a perfect parent.  (It doesn’t exist… we checked 😄)

It’s about being intentional.  It’s saying, “God, you gave me this child… and I want to raise them with You at the center.”  And as a church, we come alongside you—not just for that moment, but for the journey ahead.

Why This Matters

Life moves fast.  And it’s easy to just keep going without ever pausing to say, “This matters. This is important.”

This is that pause.  A moment to:

  • Pray over your child’s life
  • Set a foundation for their future
  • Make a commitment as a parent
  • Invite your church family to support you

Because raising kids in today’s world?
You shouldn’t have to do that alone.

is this for us?

If you have a child from newborn up to 4 years old, then yes—this is for you.

Whether this is your first child or your fourth…

whether you feel fully confident or “figuring it out as you go”…

You’re in the right place.

We’re not looking for perfect families.  Just willing ones.

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.
So now I give him to the Lord…”

— 1 Samuel 1:27-28

What to Expect

We keep it simple and meaningful.

During a Sunday service:

  • Families will come forward together
  • Pastor Justin will share a brief word
  • We’ll pray over your child and your family
  • You’ll have a moment to make your commitment

It’s not long… but it’s powerful.

And yes—you might get a little emotional. That’s normal.

You Might Be Wondering…

Totally normal. Here are some of the most common questions parents ask before taking this step.
Is this the same as baptism?
No—this is a commitment made by you as a parent. Baptism is a personal decision your child can make when they’re ready.
What should we wear?
Whatever you feel good in. Some families dress up a bit, others keep it simple. There’s no pressure here.
Can family come?
Absolutely. This is a moment worth celebrating.  When you register, we’ll ask for how many family members you expect to come so that we can include them in your reserved seating.
Do we have to be members?
No—Open Arms does not have a formal membership.  However, we do encourage families to stay connected and be part of the community.
What if my child won’t sit still or starts crying?
That’s completely normal 😄.  We expect it. We welcome it. No one’s judging—this is a family moment, not a performance.
What happens after this?
This is just the beginning. We’ll continue to support you through resources, community, and opportunities to help you grow as a parent and in your faith.
What if I’m not a perfect parent?
You’re in the right place.  This isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about being intentional with what matters most. None of us are perfect. We’re all learning as we go.
What if I’m still figuring out my own faith?
That’s okay.  You don’t have to have all the answers to take this step. Baby Dedication & Child Blessing is about your willingness to grow and lead your child in faith—not about having it all mastered.
What if I haven’t been consistent with church?
You’re still welcome here.  This isn’t about your past attendance—it’s about the direction you want to go moving forward.
What if I’m a single parent?
You are absolutely welcome.  We honor the role you’re carrying, and we’re here to support you. This moment is for you just as much as any other family.
Do both parents have to be present?
No.  If one parent is able to participate, that’s completely okay. We meet families where they are.
What if I feel nervous about coming up in front of people?
You’re not the only one. We’ll walk you through exactly what to expect so there are no surprises. It’s a simple, supportive moment—not something you have to perform.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

This isn’t just about a moment on stage. It’s about what happens after.

We’re here to walk with you as your child grows…

to support you, encourage you, and help you build a faith-filled home.

That’s what this is really about.

If you’ve been thinking about taking this step… this is your sign.
We’d love to celebrate your child and walk alongside your family.