Baby/Child Dedications at Oxford Chrisian Church

Why is this important?

Baby and Children Dedications are not baptisms.  At OCC we practice Believer's Baptism meaning a person isn't baptized until they can confess their faith in Christ for themselves and declare that faith with Baptism.  Baby dedications are promises that parents make to raise their children in the life of the church.  We also seek God's blessings and encourage each child in their walk with God as faith develops.

What to expect.

When you agree to dedicate your child to God, the congregation will also dedicate itself to your family in support of your little one.  The brief ceremony takes place during morning worship.  As parents, you would bring your child or children up front with the other parents who were dedication their children.  You will promise to raise your child in a Christian home and encourage them toward faith in Christ, with God's help.  The congregation will make their promise to support you and your child as well.  then there is a prayer of dedication, the pastor will anoint your child with oil making the sign of the cross upon his/her forehead.  You will then receive a rose and a certificate of dedication as remembrances of the promises made.

Is church membership necessary for this dedication?

You do not need to be official members of the congregation in order to dedicate your children to God.  it is also true that becoming members of OCC will make it easier for the congregation to support your family.  There is no test for membership.  If you have faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior and have been baptized, you can become a member by just expressing your wish to do so.  You can also accept Christ and be baptized here at OCC if you've not made that commitment yet.  Your faith will have a direct effect on the life of your family and so we want to help you in any way we can.  If you have other questions, you can always speak with the pastor and ask whatever you are curious about.  God bless you in this important family decision!  We look forward to helping any way we can.