Parent-Child Dedication

Why do we do this?

A parent-child dedication is a biblical act of worship in which parents publicly acknowledge their child as a gift from God and commit to raising them in the Lord’s ways. Rooted in examples such as Hannah dedicating Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27–28), the consecration of the firstborn (Exodus 13:2), and Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus at the temple (Luke 2:22–24), dedication reflects the truth that children belong to God and are entrusted to parents as stewards. Jesus Himself welcomed and blessed children (Mark 10:13–16), showing their value in God’s kingdom. Scripture calls parents to faithfully teach and nurture their children in God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:4–7; Ephesians 6:4), while the church family joins in support and prayer, affirming the household’s commitment to serve the Lord together (Joshua 24:15).

WHat am I committing to?

  1. A life of personal devotion to Jesus.

  2. Staying connected to the body of Christ through worship services and small groups.

  3. Teaching God’s Word in my home.

Deuteronomy 6:4–7

“Hear, Israel, Yahweh our God, Yahweh is unique. And you shall love Yahweh your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your might. And these words that I am commanding you today shall be on your heart. And you shall recite them to your children, and you shall talk about them at the time of your living in your house and at the time of your going on the road and at the time of your lying down and at the time of your rising up.

Logistics

At the beginning of the service, families participating in the dedication will sit together on the front row (organ side of the sanctuary) just for the dedication, then you are welcome to sit with your family after that.

A responsive reading will be included as part of the dedication, allowing the parents, congregation, and pastor to affirm their commitments together.

When the child one day accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, they will receive a personal letter written to them from this occasion, reminding them of your prayers and this moment of dedication. You will write a letter for the child in addition to the one the church will give them.

As part of this dedication, each child will also receive a beginner Bible for you to begin teaching them God’s Word from an early age.