Parent/Child Dedication
We are so glad you have shown interest in participating in our Parent & Child Dedication Service! This is a very exciting time for our parents and our church! There is often confusion about what a Parent & Child Dedication Service is and what it is not. Please read carefully over the following explanation. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
If you wish to participate, please sign and return the following sheet at the following link by May 5.
You can bring it to the church office or turn it in to Kelley Thompson on a Sunday or Wednesday.
If you wish to participate, please sign and return the following sheet at the following link by May 5.
You can bring it to the church office or turn it in to Kelley Thompson on a Sunday or Wednesday.
What is a Parent & Child Dedication?
A Parent & Child Dedication Service is a very exciting time for parents and the church! We love seeing all of the young families and supporting you. But what exactly is a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
ACKNOWLEDGING THE CHILD BELONGS TO GOD
There are several parts to this service. First, you are acknowledging that the child you hold is not yours, but God’s. God carefully forms each child in unique ways and then entrusts parents to care for them, but ultimately they always belong to Him.
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
-Psalm 139:13-14
A COMMITMENT TO GOD
A Parent & Child Dedication Service has very little to do with the child. It is primarily a chance for the parents to stand before God and the church and commit to raising the child in a way that honors Him. Parent’s are committing to follow God’s commands in their own lives and to teach them to the children that He entrusts them with. They are committing to love the child the way God loves them and to faithfully pray for the child.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
-Deuteronomy 6:5-7a
A TIME FOR THE CHURCH TO SUPPORT YOU
While we recognize that the Bible teaches that parents are to be their child’s primary faith-influencer, we also know that God has commanded the church to partner with parents in this huge task. During a Parent & Child Dedication Service, our church gets the chance to see and meet parents. The church will commit before God and each other to pray for your family, to help equip you as parents, to teach your children to follow Christ alongside you, and to follow Christ themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t you baptize babies?
Infant baptism is simply not found in the Bible. Baptism is one of two ordinances (along with The Lord’s Supper) given by Jesus to the church. Baptism is for Believers who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. It is a picture of what Christ has done in their life.
Can older children participate in a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
Yes. While parents of babies are primarily the ones who participate, these services are not limited to them. There are many different situations that would cause the parents of an older child to want to participate and we welcome them!
Can a single parent participate in a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
Yes. We want to do all we can to encourage and support single parents who desire to follow the Lord and raise their children to do the same.
Can parents who are living together, but are not married participate in a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
No. A Parent & Child Dedication Service is intended to reflect the commitment of parents to honor God’s commands, especially regarding family life. For those who are unmarried and living together, taking steps to understand and submit to God’s commands would take precedence over participating in a Parent & Child Dedication Service.
Can same-sex couple participate in a Parent & Chid Dedication Service?
No. A Parent & Child Dedication Service is intended to reflect the commitment of parents to honor God’s commands, especially regarding family life. For same-sex couples, taking steps to understand and submit to God’s commands would take precedence over participating in a Parent & Child Dedication Service.
Can family members that have custody of children or foster parents participate?
Yes. We welcome parents to participate even if they aren’t the biological parents and even if they won’t have the child forever.
Can non-church members participate?
It is not a requirement that you be a member of Faith Baptist Church to participate, but you do need to be an active attender.
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I have read and understand the meaning of a Parent & Child Dedication Service. I understand that my child belongs first of all to the Lord and He has entrusted me to care for him/her. I commit to raising my child in a way that honors the Lord and to do my best to follow the Lord in my own life.
Signature:__________________________________________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________
A Parent & Child Dedication Service is a very exciting time for parents and the church! We love seeing all of the young families and supporting you. But what exactly is a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
ACKNOWLEDGING THE CHILD BELONGS TO GOD
There are several parts to this service. First, you are acknowledging that the child you hold is not yours, but God’s. God carefully forms each child in unique ways and then entrusts parents to care for them, but ultimately they always belong to Him.
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
-Psalm 139:13-14
A COMMITMENT TO GOD
A Parent & Child Dedication Service has very little to do with the child. It is primarily a chance for the parents to stand before God and the church and commit to raising the child in a way that honors Him. Parent’s are committing to follow God’s commands in their own lives and to teach them to the children that He entrusts them with. They are committing to love the child the way God loves them and to faithfully pray for the child.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
-Deuteronomy 6:5-7a
A TIME FOR THE CHURCH TO SUPPORT YOU
While we recognize that the Bible teaches that parents are to be their child’s primary faith-influencer, we also know that God has commanded the church to partner with parents in this huge task. During a Parent & Child Dedication Service, our church gets the chance to see and meet parents. The church will commit before God and each other to pray for your family, to help equip you as parents, to teach your children to follow Christ alongside you, and to follow Christ themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don’t you baptize babies?
Infant baptism is simply not found in the Bible. Baptism is one of two ordinances (along with The Lord’s Supper) given by Jesus to the church. Baptism is for Believers who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Savior and Lord. It is a picture of what Christ has done in their life.
Can older children participate in a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
Yes. While parents of babies are primarily the ones who participate, these services are not limited to them. There are many different situations that would cause the parents of an older child to want to participate and we welcome them!
Can a single parent participate in a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
Yes. We want to do all we can to encourage and support single parents who desire to follow the Lord and raise their children to do the same.
Can parents who are living together, but are not married participate in a Parent & Child Dedication Service?
No. A Parent & Child Dedication Service is intended to reflect the commitment of parents to honor God’s commands, especially regarding family life. For those who are unmarried and living together, taking steps to understand and submit to God’s commands would take precedence over participating in a Parent & Child Dedication Service.
Can same-sex couple participate in a Parent & Chid Dedication Service?
No. A Parent & Child Dedication Service is intended to reflect the commitment of parents to honor God’s commands, especially regarding family life. For same-sex couples, taking steps to understand and submit to God’s commands would take precedence over participating in a Parent & Child Dedication Service.
Can family members that have custody of children or foster parents participate?
Yes. We welcome parents to participate even if they aren’t the biological parents and even if they won’t have the child forever.
Can non-church members participate?
It is not a requirement that you be a member of Faith Baptist Church to participate, but you do need to be an active attender.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
I have read and understand the meaning of a Parent & Child Dedication Service. I understand that my child belongs first of all to the Lord and He has entrusted me to care for him/her. I commit to raising my child in a way that honors the Lord and to do my best to follow the Lord in my own life.
Signature:__________________________________________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________