Morningstar Pentecostal Church
Where Jesus is Lord... and YOU are Welcome!
What is the difference between a baby dedication and baptism?
Baptism and baby dedication serve distinct roles in a family's faith journey. Baptism, in our tradition, is an outward expression of an individual's personal decision to follow Jesus, symbolizing the washing away of sin and new life in Christ. It typically occurs when a person is old enough to make that commitment for themselves, no matter the age.
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Baby dedication, on the other hand, is a ceremony where parents publicly commit to raising their child in the ways of the Lord. It does not involve baptismal water but is instead a time for the church community to pray for the family and pledge their support as a child grows in faith.
Baptism
Baptism is a profound step in the life of a believer, symbolizing the cleansing of sins and a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It signifies a believer's commitment to follow Jesus, embracing His teachings and example. When you are baptized, you are identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, leaving behind the old self and stepping into new life through Him.
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Following Jesus means daily walking in His love, grace, and truth, seeking to grow closer to God and live out His purpose for your life. Baptism is the beginning of this lifelong journey of faith, transformation, and discipleship.
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We believe baptism is an exciting part of a believer’s journey. It is a public profession saying you follow Jesus and it’s a chance for us as your church to celebrate your faith with you.
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The right time to be baptized is soon after you become a believer.
"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (Acts 2:41)
Baby or child dedication is a meaningful ceremony where parents publicly commit to raising their child according to Christian values and teachings. It is an opportunity for parents to acknowledge that their child is a gift from God and to dedicate themselves to guiding their child's spiritual journey. While dedication is not a baptism and does not imply salvation for the child, it reflects the parents' intention to raise their child with strong foundation in faith, teaching them about God's love, grace, and truth. This ceremony serves as a public declaration of of the parents' desire to nurture their child in a Christ-centered home, where they will be encouraged to grow in faith and understand the importance of a personal relationship with God.
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The dedication is also a time for the church community to come together in support of the family. During the ceremony, the congregation is invited to join in prayer for the child and the parents, asking God to bless and guide them in their role as spiritual mentors. The church promises to provide a nurturing environment, offering encouragement, wisdom, and fellowship as the child grows. In this way, dedication is not just a family event, but a communal commitment, reminding everyone that raising chirldren in faith is a shared responsibility, supported by the love and prayers of the broader church family.