Being a parent is one of the greatest joys in life, but it’s no easy task. Often, you feel that nagging feeling in your gut that makes you wonder, “am I doing this whole parenting thing right?” But, there’s good news! You don’t have to parent alone. That’s where child dedication comes in. You get to stand in front of your faith community and commit to raising your child alongside your church family.
WHY CHILD DEDICATION?
We know that as a parent you’re the most important influence in your child’s life. But you’re not the only influence your child needs. That’s where your church family comes in. Baby/child dedication is an opportunity to invite others to come alongside to help you and your kid as they grow in their faith. We’re better together.
Dedicating your child is you as a parent making a decision that you’re going to raise your kids knowing who Jesus is and modeling what it looks like to follow Him. Leading kids to live like Jesus isn’t a checkbox on a parenting to-do list. It’s an intentional, ongoing conversation that shapes who they are now and who they’re becoming.
Dedicating your child is you as a parent making a decision that you’re going to raise your kids knowing who Jesus is and modeling what it looks like to follow Him. Leading kids to live like Jesus isn’t a checkbox on a parenting to-do list. It’s an intentional, ongoing conversation that shapes who they are now and who they’re becoming.
3 COMMON QUESTIONS
Do my kids need to be dedicated?
Child dedication is a great step for your family, but it’s certainly not the same thing as salvation. Salvation is what happens when your child decides to start a relationship with God, and baptism is when they decide to go public with their faith. It’s less about your child’s choice now and more about setting them up for those choices later. When you dedicate your child, you’re making a commitment to raise them in an environment where they hear about Jesus and have an opportunity to accept Him. It’s a great practice, but it is optional.
What's the big deal about child dedication?
Child dedications are a spiritually significant milestone for your whole family. You’re choosing to make some parenting decisions that honor God and doing it together in your faith community.
When can you dedicate your child?
That’s your decision. You can dedicate your child if they’re 3 days old or 10 years old. The age doesn’t matter as much as the principle. Child dedication is an important step in your family’s faith life because it’s setting a foundation that your family will be known for following Jesus.