Dedication Ceremony
Celebrating your commitment to raising your child in a way that pleases God.
We're honored to host you and your family at this service. But we want you to know...It's so much more than just an event. Parent Child Dedication is all about you (parents) recognizing the role you have in sharing Christ's love with your children. In a service of dedication, parents publicly commit to raise their children in a way that pleases God as they strive to point their children to the purposes of God and a personal faith of their own.
We're honored to host you and your family at this service. But we want you to know...It's so much more than just an event. Parent Child Dedication is all about you (parents) recognizing the role you have in sharing Christ's love with your children. In a service of dedication, parents publicly commit to raise their children in a way that pleases God as they strive to point their children to the purposes of God and a personal faith of their own.
Dedication Service
Dedication in the Bible
Fellowship dedicates children because the practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible.
It's Really About Parents
God used Moses to give us some parenting advice:
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
-Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Moses tells the people that the most important thing they can pass along to their child is a love and knowledge of their Heavenly Father. Nothing is more important than living a life that shows your child that their Heavenly Father created them, loves them, and desperately wants a relationship with them.
To set a good foundation for our children, we must listen to Jesus' command knowing that most of what our children learn from us is through their everyday observation of how we live. Jesus says:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
-John 13:34
We need the foundation of His love to love our children the way Jesus loves us. Jesus dies for you and we must first recognize that "Jesus loves me". You cannot give what you haven't received. Your children will then begin to understand Jesus' love for them through you.
Your children have a choice, yet your model will always be there for them and will have an impact and be the best model in their lives. The best thing you can do for your child's future is invest in your personal relationship with Jesus.
Fellowship dedicates children because the practice of child dedication has been modeled throughout the Bible.
- Hannah brought her long-awaited son Samuel to the priest to dedicate him to the Lord. I Samuel 1:24-28
- Jesus was dedicated by his parents as a baby. Luke 2:22-25
- Jesus gives blessings on the lives of little children. Mark 10:16
It's Really About Parents
God used Moses to give us some parenting advice:
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
-Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Moses tells the people that the most important thing they can pass along to their child is a love and knowledge of their Heavenly Father. Nothing is more important than living a life that shows your child that their Heavenly Father created them, loves them, and desperately wants a relationship with them.
To set a good foundation for our children, we must listen to Jesus' command knowing that most of what our children learn from us is through their everyday observation of how we live. Jesus says:
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
-John 13:34
We need the foundation of His love to love our children the way Jesus loves us. Jesus dies for you and we must first recognize that "Jesus loves me". You cannot give what you haven't received. Your children will then begin to understand Jesus' love for them through you.
Your children have a choice, yet your model will always be there for them and will have an impact and be the best model in their lives. The best thing you can do for your child's future is invest in your personal relationship with Jesus.
Parent Commitments in Dedication
Our expectation is that...
During the service, we'll ask that...
- Parents have a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Parents agree with Fellowship's beliefs and values.
- Parents commit to modeling personal integrity and to lead by example in matters of faith and conduct.
During the service, we'll ask that...
- Parents will seek to always treat their child with love and respect, recognizing them as God's special gift to them.
- Parents will seek to raise their child to understand the truths of the Christian faith, remembering that they teach most convincingly by their example.
- Parents will, in dependence upon God's spirit, pray for and assist their child to respond freely to Jesus Christ, in their own time.
- Parents will sign their copy of "We Promise" and write their children's names on the document.
We Promise
We do solemnly promise before God to take full responsibility for the physical and spiritual care of our children.
We will love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God.
We will demonstrate proper love and care for one another as their parents.
We will bless our children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
We will train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
We will love them, protect them, serve them, and teach them the Word of God.
We will demonstrate proper love and care for one another as their parents.
We will bless our children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength.
We will train them to honor authority and live responsibly.
We will protect our children from evil, teach them to pursue justice, and love mercy.
We will correct, forgive, and restore our children in love when they fail.
We will repent of our failings and seek their forgiveness when we sin.
We will seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will with our children.
We will courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this promise for the rest of our lives and for His glory.
We will correct, forgive, and restore our children in love when they fail.
We will repent of our failings and seek their forgiveness when we sin.
We will seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His will with our children.
We will courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this promise for the rest of our lives and for His glory.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24.15
Question and Answer
Do I need to be a member to dedicate my child?
You do need to be a member in good standing and in agreement with our Articles of Faith at Fellowship to dedicate your child. If you are not a member, we do recommend taking Starting Points and ask that families call Fellowship home, because in dedicating your child to God, you are stating that you are willing to partner with God and the Church to raise your child in cooperation with God's intentions. As your church family, we are here to partner with you as the body of Christ and support you as a family unit.
At what age can a child take part in a dedication service?
While Fellowship doesn't have a set age requirement for a child dedication, this ceremony is geared towards those with younger children. Although, many parents dedicate children much older than that due to wanting to dedicate all children at the same time or the parents are new believers in Christ.
Can I invite family and friends to the service?
By all means! You will find that this will enhance the significance of the service for you and will also give them an opportunity to witness your own faith in Jesus Christ.
What is appropriate attire for this service?
You can come as dressed up or as informal as you'd like, it's entirely up to you. Feel free to dress as though you were coming to one of our regular Sunday morning services.
Will I receive a certificate of dedication?
Yes! The certificate and frame will be available at the service.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. This special service is a gift from your Fellowship family to you and your guests. Just come and enjoy!
What if I have further questions?
Please contact the church office, and we will be happy to answer your questions.