Parent-child dedication is consistent with the instructions of Jesus. He said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14, NIV).

Parents are encouraged to present themselves with their infants and/or children for a time of dedication in public worship. The act reminds us of the presentation of Samuel by his mother as told in the Old Testament, and Jesus by his parents as told in the New Testament. It is a time for the church and the parents to acknowledge the child as a gift from God, commit themselves to rear the child in awe and respect of God, and ask God's blessings upon the body, mind, and spirit of the child.

Infant baptism is not practiced in the North Avenue Church of God. We believe a child is innocent and already in the grace of God. Later the child, in some stage of growth and training, will respond to the conviction and leadership of the Holy Spirit and will have an opportunity to accept Christ as Savior. Professing children are baptized at the discretion of the pastors.

~Excerpted from Meet Us At The Cross by Oral & Laura Withrow, and Church of God Ministries