Parent-Child Dedication May 7, 2023
May 7
Sunday, May 7, 2023
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” (Psalms 127:3). As a church, we want to join you in celebrating the life of your child, and we would like to partner with you as you seek grace and wisdom in carrying out the high calling of parenthood. Children are a sweet and precious gift, but they require a significant investment of time, love, and patience. As parents you are instructed to love, teach and discipline them, while modeling a life that places God above all else. It is your duty to point them to God and help them understand the sacrificial love He has for them. You are to continuously cover them in prayer – ultimately pleading with God that one day they might trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.
PRIMARY PURPOSES FOR DEDICATION:
1. For parents, joined by their church community, to celebrate the life of their child and joyfully thank God for the precious new addition to their family.
2. For parents to publicly commit themselves to raise their child on a foundation of Godly principles, teaching them Christian values, and pointing them to Christ through their words and actions.
3. For the church community to come along side each parent through prayer and encouragement as they seek to serve the Lord in parenthood.
PARENT-BABY DEDICATION Q & A:
What kind of commitment am I making?
First, you are publicly acknowledging your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and as parents, you are recognizing that your child ultimately belongs to God. You are committing to teach your child God’s Word and model for them a Christ-like example both with-in the wall of your home and publicly. Finally, you are promising to pray that one day when your child fully understands the sacrifice Jesus made for them on the cross he/she will receive God’s free gift of Salvation and commit their lives to Christ.
Are there any requirements?
Only those parents who are both Christians and married (a man and a woman) may dedicate their child to the Lord as a couple. Due to the nature of the commitment being made during the ceremony, a non-believing spouse would be unable to participate.
What if we’re not married or separated?
A parent who is single or separated is welcome to present their child to the Lord alone. Child dedication is ultimately a commitment from the parents to model Biblically grounded principles in their home, therefore, parents co-habituating outside of marriage would be unable to make this pledge or participate in the dedication service. If you would like to seek pastoral council or have questions concerning this matter, please contact Tanya Bryant at Tanya@life-community.com.
Who stands upfront with Pastor during the dedication?
Only the immediate family, including all siblings, walk upfront to stand with the Pastor during the presenting of the dedicated child, however, extended family members and friends are encouraged and welcome to support the child by sitting with the family and standing in the audience during the dedication.
What happens at the Parent-Child Dedication?
Pastor Chad will recognize you and your child and present you with a “special gift” from our church. At this time Pastor Chad will call for a “Parental Commitment” and then offer a “Pastoral Prayer.”
May I dedicate my adopted child?
Yes, families are encouraged and welcome to dedicate their adopted children.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Colossians 1:9, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
Psalm 127:3, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
Psalm 139:13-14, “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”