top of page

BABY / CHILD DEDICATION / BAPTISM

“Train up a child in the way he should go”

Proverbs 22:6, NKJV

Baby Dedication & Water Baptism (Christening) – What We Offer and Why

​

Thank you for reaching out to request a baby “baptism/christening” or baby dedication for your child. We count it a real privilege when parents want to honour God and invite His blessing and guidance over their family.

Because this is a meaningful spiritual moment, we want to clearly explain what we do at C3 Church Mackay, and why.

1) What the Bible teaches about water baptism

In Scripture, water baptism is consistently connected to a person’s own faith response to Jesus—repentance, believing the gospel, and choosing to follow Christ.

Water baptism is:

  • an outward expression of an inward faith

  • a public step of obedience as a disciple of Jesus

  • a witness to the church and the world that a person belongs to Christ

For that reason, we practice believer’s baptism (baptism for those who can personally respond in faith), rather than baptising infants as a “christening.” A baby is precious and loved by God, but a baby cannot yet repent, believe, or choose discipleship in the way the New Testament describes baptism.

So, we do not baptise/christen babies, not because we don’t honour children—quite the opposite—but because we want to treat baptism with the same meaning and pattern Scripture gives it.

2) What a Baby Dedication is (and what it isn’t)

While baby “christening” is commonly associated with infant baptism traditions, a baby dedication is different.

A baby dedication is not:

  • a baptism

  • a guarantee of salvation

  • a replacement for the child’s future personal faith decision

A baby dedication is a sacred moment of prayer and commitment—primarily a vow made by the parents (and supported by the church community).

In a baby dedication, parents are committing to:

  • Raise their child in God’s ways—to teach, model, and prioritise faith at home

  • Dedicate themselves to living as followers of Jesus, because children learn most from what they see

  • Release their child to God’s purposes—not simply raising them to fulfil our plans, but to fulfil God’s plan for their life, for His Kingdom

We then pray as a church that your child would be protected, blessed, and led by God, and that your home would be strengthened with grace and wisdom.

3) Who we can dedicate at C3 Church Mackay

Because we treat baby dedication with sanctity and spiritual seriousness, we only offer baby dedications for parents who are actively attending C3 Church Mackay.

This isn’t about being exclusive—it’s about integrity and pastoral care. A dedication is not simply a ceremony; it’s a spiritual commitment made within a church family that can genuinely walk with you, support you, pray with you, and help you disciple your child over time. As Scripture says, “Let us consider one another… not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24–25, NKJV).

​

And more than anything, our heart is that this moment wouldn’t just be about your child—it would be an invitation for you as parents to begin (or renew) your own journey with Jesus. The greatest gift you can give your child is not a one-day event, but a home where mum and dad are choosing to follow Christ—learning His ways, seeking His presence, and leading the family into paths of righteousness. The Bible encourages parents: “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV).

​

If you’re not sure where you stand with God today, please know this: you can start the journey now. You don’t have to have it all together—Jesus simply asks for your heart. You can turn to Him in prayer, invite Him to lead your life, and make a decision that changes the spiritual direction of your whole household. God’s promise is clear: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31, NKJV).

​

So, if you are not currently attending C3 Church Mackay, we would lovingly encourage you to:

  • Connect into a local church community you regularly attend, and

  • Pursue dedication there, with leaders who know you and can genuinely pastor and support your family.

If you are attending C3 Church Mackay, we would love to help you take this step in a meaningful way—and to stand with you as you grow in faith and lead your family in God’s ways.

4) Next steps

If you’d like to proceed with a Baby Dedication at C3 Church Mackay, please fill out a form from our information booth on Sunday and​ our team will then connect with you about:

  • a brief pre-dedication conversation with a pastor, and

  • available dedication dates during a Sunday service.

​

We honour your desire to put God first in your family, and we would love to help you take a step that is biblical, meaningful, and anchored in genuine community.

With love and respect,

Ps. Beau & Deneisha
C3 Church Mackay
 

bottom of page