We, at Caldwell County Cowboy Church, often get questions about baptism and child dedication. The following is a short description of each (as well as an explanation of our beliefs).
Believer’s Baptism by Immersion
We practice believer’s baptism by immersion. This is distinct from infant baptism, as it takes place after an individual places their faith in Jesus.
We believe baptism by immersion illustrates Jesus’ death and resurrection (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 and Colossians 2:12) and the individual’s new life as a follower of Jesus (See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6:3-4). We also believe it is how a follower of Jesus publicly identifies themself with Jesus and with his church (See Acts 2:38–41).
Child Dedication
Since we believe that baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality, it stands to reason that we also believe it is only the individual being baptized (not their parents and not their grandparents) who can truly make that expression. Until children are old enough and mature enough to decide for themselves to place their faith in Jesus, we do not baptize them.
Other Christian traditions take a different approach. And that is okay, because this topic falls squarely into the category of important, but non-essential. Baptism is not a prerequisite to salvation. It does not make you a believer—it is a means of showing that you are a believer. So, baptism doesn’t save you, only your faith in Jesus does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it is the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
While we do not practice infant baptism, there is something about the practice that is easy to appreciate: specifically, that it recognizes the amazing providence of children being born to Christian parents. Of the almost eight billion people in the world, when a child is born into a family of Jesus followers, that is something to celebrate.
A child born to parents who are Jesus followers will have many opportunities to hear the gospel. And if the child’s parents are members of a local church, the child will be surrounded by others who are seeking to follow Jesus. We think that is so significant that we should do something to recognize it and to celebrate it. So, we have a child dedication service.
At a child dedication service:
• The parents dedicate themselves to their child (by sharing the gospel with them);
• The parents dedicate their child to God (by praying that God would one day bring the child to faith in Jesus); and
• We, as a church, dedicate ourselves to the parents and to the child (by supporting the parents in teaching their children the gospel).
We don’t believe dedicating your child is necessary for their salvation. There is no special saving grace made available to your child when you dedicate him or her. Salvation comes from Jesus, not by child dedication services. But anytime we can recognize and celebrate the blessing of children and the providence of their birth, we are excited to do so!