At Livingway Church, we believe it is of the utmost importance to dedicate our children to God.  We understand that a child is a most precious gift from God.  He fully expects the parents to be the caretakers of that child and to train him or her in the ways of God.

It is not enough to provide physically for that child; we must make provisions spiritually as well.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

We do not baptize babies at Livingway.  Why?  The Word of God teaches that baptism is a symbol of obedience and it is outside the scope of a baby’s understanding and comprehension.  Baptism demonstrates that one is a believer; a baby is incapable of believing on Jesus Christ as the Son of God and confessing with his or her mouth.  For that same reason, we believe that babies are automatically saved until they reach the age when they can understand the Word of God and choose whether to obey it or not.

Why do we dedicate babies if they are already saved?  It is our acknowledgement as parents that we realize that we do not own these children; they are merely on loan to us to teach, guide and care for until they become adults.  It is our way of admitting that we cannot raise them without the help of our awesome God.  We are asking Him to help us do the things that only He can do, such as salvation and protection.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

· You may obtain a Baby Dedication Form in the Main Lobby at the Information Desk.

· Fill that form out in its entirety and turn it back in at the same Information Desk or mail it to Livingway Church.

· Livingway Baby Dedications are scheduled for the third Wednesday evening of each month at 7:00 p.m.

· Even though you have turned in your form, you must stop by the Information Desk on the night of Dedication no later than 6:45 p.m. to let us know that you are indeed in attendance and ready to have your baby dedicated.  (If you do not check in prior to the beginning of service, your baby’s name will not be called.)

· When your baby’s name is called, please come to the front of the sanctuary and stand on the main floor as close to the center as possible.  Please face the congregation.

· Your family members or special guests are welcome to come and stand with you and your baby.

· You are welcome to have someone take pictures for you during this time.

· You will receive a Certificate of Dedication with your baby’s information on it as a keepsake of this special night.

If you have questions concerning Livingway Baby Dedications that are not answered in this brochure, please feel free to call 210-637-5000 and ask for Schartryce Mason.