Infant Baptism & Child Dedication
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of Infant Baptism?

Infant baptism focuses on the "sovereign grace of God.” This means that by faith you submit to and rely on the sovereign grace of God for your infant’s future salvation. You also as parents take a vow, along with the congregation as the extended family of God, to take direct responsibility for the Christian training of your child. In so doing, we acknowledge that long before we sought the Father’s forgiveness or even knew of our need, God did all that was required for our salvation. Baptizing your infant does not “save” him or her, but rather, it is a tangible way to seek and rely on God’s grace that “prevenes” – runs ahead – preparing the way and making possible your child’s future approach to God.

Traditionally, baptism requires that both parents be Christians. However, baptism may also be appropriate for the children of one parent, sometimes with Christian sponsors standing with and taking vows with the parent.

We are bold to claim that God’s grace is always at work in the life of one baptized early. This is why baptism is administered only once for each person. Hence, “no more water" will be necessary when a baptized infant comes to a mature age⎯the water applied on the infant will still be effective and efficacious because God's sovereign grace transcends any human merit or time. Although rebaptism is not appropriate, there will be a later time of “confirmation” for those who were baptized as infants. (See also “What is Confirmation?”)

What is the meaning of Child Dedication?

Child dedication emphasizes one’s "personal faith in God.” This means that you as parents choose to delay baptism until your child is of a mature age. Hence, no water will be applied on your child during the dedication. You are dedicating your child to God as the congregation stands with you as the extended family of God. In so doing, you are taking a vow to take direct responsibility for the Christian training of your child.

Traditionally, dedication requires that both parents be Christians. However, dedication is also appropriate for the children of one Christian parent, sometimes with Christian sponsors standing with and taking vows with the parent.

We are bold to also claim that we come to a saving grace of God through personal faith in God. When you choose child dedication, you are relying on God to lead the way for your child to come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. The baptism is intentionally delayed until your child reaches a mature age. At that time, he or she can be baptized, making a public confession of faith in Christ. Since the appropriate age for this baptism varies in each case, the general rule of thumb is to consult with the pastoral staff for discernment.

What is Confirmation?

When those who have been baptized as infants reach a mature age, there will come a time for each of them to make a personal affirmation of their relationship with God. This significant time is called “confirmation.” This is appropriate for two reasons:

1. In confirmation, God confirms his promise to those who were too young to understand that promise when they were baptized.

2. These persons confirm their personal commitment as a public witness which they were unable to make as infants. Confirmation is not rebaptism⎯there will be no water applied on the basis of the sovereign grace of God during the infant baptism. Confirmation also celebrates full membership at Metro Community Church for those who were baptized as infants.

What are the next steps to having my child baptized or dedicated at the next celebration at Metro?

• Register online. If you haven’t already done so, the first step is to register your child(ren) online. Whenever our Infant Baptism & Dedication services are scheduled, the sign up page will be found on our News & Events page, in weekly e-newsletter (you can sign up on the news page), or via the Church Center app.

• Participate in a brief orientation, where you can connect with us, other parents, have any questions that you might have answered, and be oriented in the process of the actual baptism or dedication. Very likely, this orientation will be online and you will receive the link in good time.

• Await potential contact by pastoral staff by phone or email, to go over a few things with you on your application form, and to answer any of your questions.

• Invite your family and friends to the celebration! Since the baptism/dedication happens only once in a lifetime, you may want to invite your friends and family to share your joy with you on that day. Consider inviting your un-churched friends also – it may be a great opportunity for them to meet Jesus while you share your commitment to raise your child in God’s grace.

• Prayerfully prepare for your infant’s baptism or dedication.

• Arrive early for the service.