Baby Dedication, Christening, or Baptism?

One question I am often asked is what the difference is between baby dedication, christening, and baptism. Outlined below are definitions and denominations participating in each:

Baby Dedication- when a child is dedicated to the Lord by their parents. Typically, the parent is stating before friends and family that they commit to raising their child according to God's word.

Baby Baptism/Christening- pretty much interchangeable currently. According to Wikipedia, both are generally a purification ritual using water. If you are wondering which term the church uses, I am sure the office or secretary would clarify.

Baptisms: typically Lutheran, Presbyterian, Christian Reformed, Catholic, and Methodist to name a few

Dedications: Baptist, Bible, some non-denomination

If you are looking for a favorite verse for the ceremony:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139: 13-14

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

"Children are a gift from the Lord, they are a reward from him" Psalm 127:3

"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." And he worshiped the LORD there." 1 Samuel 1:26-28

Christian parents who dedicate a child are making a promise to the Lord to do everything within their power to raise the child in a Godly way, prayerfully until he or she can make a decision on his or her own to follow God. It is a special event for all involved, and I am glad you choose MinimeBabyGear to be a part of it.