Child Dedications

We are delighted that you are setting the course for a godly home and spiritual enrichment for your family.  Children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from Him and all good and perfect gifts come from God above.  Dedication or 'setting apart' a child unto God is in obedience to His word.  "Train a child in the way (s)he should go and when (s)he is old (s)he will not turn from it."  Proverbs 22:6

Child Dedication is not baptism or christening.  It does not guarantee a child's salvation, however it is a public expression of the fact that your child belongs to God and you are making a declaration before God and those witnessing the ceremony of your commitment to raise your child to honor, respect and serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

In preparation for the Dedication ceremony, please go online and complete the Child Dedication application (www.mbctysons.org/parenting).  Parents are also required to attend a Child Dedication Orientation where you will learn about the Dedication service and receive a Bible study based on the Six Dedication Vows to review together at home.  Below are the six vows parents will be asked to honor as an expression of their commitment.

Child Dedication Vows

1. Will you do your best to raise this child to honor, revere, and love Jesus Christ?

2. Will you do your best to maintain a home where Jesus Christ is honored and obeyed, where the Word of God is the authority and Jesus Christ is the head?

3. Will you commit this child to God in prayer on a regular basis, trusting God to override your mistakes and make up for your shortcomings?

4. Will you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to raise this child and to incline his or her heart to the Lord?

5. Will you do your best to release this child to the will of God, whatever that might be, without bitterness or resistance?

6. Will you do your best to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, so that this child has godly examples to follow?

These vows are based on the principle of Hannah's dedication ot Samuel:  "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.  So now I give him to the Lord.  For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."  1 Samuel 1:27-28

"And the Lord was gracious to Hannah.  She conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters.  Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord."  1 Samuel 2:21

Child Dedication Process


Attend the Orientation (Pre-Requisite for Dedication Service)
The orientation is offered once a month in the South Conference Room (3200) on the Third Floor from 9:30-10:15am.   We recommend that you attend an orientation at least one month prior to the desired date for your dedication to allow ample time for processing.

2013 Child Dedication Orientation Class Schedule:  (No registration required)
Sundays, 9:30 - 10:15am in Room 3200/3201 (Third Floor)
Jan. 6
Feb. 3
March 3
April 7
May 5
June 9
July 14
Aug. 11
Sept. 8
Oct. 6
Nov. 3
Dec. 8

Application Submission
Application may be downloaded HERE.  A completed application must be received and approved by MBC staff prior to scheduling dedication.

Scheduling and Confirmation
Upon approval, you will be contacted and offered several dates to select from for your dedication service.  We recommend that you not make travel plans for friends and relatives until your service has been confirmed.  The services are held once a month prior to the 6:30PM, Saturday Service or prior to the 12:30PM, Sunday Service.

Further questions?  Please contact Erin Adams, the Child Dedication Coordinator at childdedications@mcleanbible.org.

Thank you for your interest in dedicating your child and may your family experience the fullness of God's blessings and His promise for eternal life.

2013 MBC Tysons Main Auditorium Dates for Child Dedication Ceremony
January 12/13
February 9/10
March  9/10
April – No Dedications
May 11/12 (Mother’s Day)
June 15/16 (Father’s Day)
July 20/21
August – No Dedications
September 28/29
October 19/20 (Campus Pastor Joe Henriques)
November 16/17
December – No Dedications
NOTE:  The Sunday Child Dedications are being broadcast live on the MBC Internet Campus.  While the dedications are not shown at the community campuses, they are shown live to anyone who may be viewing the service online.