Mainline Protestant child dedication as a guest

01 What the rite is

A Mainline Protestant child dedication (in American Baptist congregations) or Service of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child (in Methodist, Lutheran, or Presbyterian congregations) is a brief Sunday-morning rite of parental commitment and congregational blessing. It is theologically and ritually distinct from infant baptism; the family is normally choosing this rite where they hold credo-baptist convictions, or where ABCUSA practice is the congregational standard.

02 Attire and gifts

Church-formal to smart-casual Sunday attire is typical. A small gift for the child is conventional: a children's Bible, a cross or medal, a children's book with a Christian theme.

03 At the service

Guests typically arrive 15 minutes before the service. The family is invited forward at a designated moment in the service. The pastor leads the brief rite (parental commitments or thanksgiving prayer, congregational pledge of support, blessing of the child). The service then continues. Most Mainline Protestant traditions practice open communion where the service includes the Lord's Supper.

04 After the service

A family reception or meal often follows.

05 Common questions