Child & Parent Dedication

Our kids matter! As parents, it’s our responsibility to help our kids grow in their faith…but it’s a BIG responsibility! Child & Family Dedication here at Hope Church is a special service where parents make a commitment to help their kids find and follow Jesus and the Hope family makes a commitment to stand with the parents and support them in this journey.  

 

FAQS

Are you interested in dedicating your child? If so, we’ve put together a few FAQ’s about Hope Church Child & Family Dedication process and philosophy.

What is a child dedication?

Many Christian churches practice Baby/Child Dedication instead of infant Baptism. A Child Dedication is a ceremony in which the entire families, make a commitment before the Lord to submit a child to God’s will and to raise that child according to God’s Word and God’s ways.

How old should a child be for a dedication?

Child dedication is usually geared for children birth to 5 years. If your children are a little older, you may still want to dedicate your children. Just talk with us if this is the case.

Why child & family dedication and not infant baptism?

At Hope, we believe that water baptism is meant as a next step after salvation. It is a public declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ.

Is child dedication required by God?

No. Although the Bible records a couple of baby/child dedications taking place (i.e. – I Samuel 1), it is not commanded by God in any way.

Are there any requirements to dedicate a child at Hope Church?

We welcome any Hope Church family to dedicate their child with us. We simply ask that the parents and family understand the reasons why we do this (see below) and are prepared to make the commitments to help their child to grow in their faith. 

Is there a fee for Child Dedication?

No. We are thrilled to partner with your family in raising your children in a godly home! 

Who can stand with me up front, during the dedication?

We ask that only the parents and siblings stand up front, but we encourage you to bring family and close friends with you to share this moment with your family. Single parents can ask a close friend or family member to stand with them, if they choose.

What if I have questions or concerns about the dedication?

Email Pastor JC at JC@hopechurchcatoosa.com 

 

Why dedicate? 

At Hope Church We Dedicate Our Children to God Because Children are a gift from God. 

“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13,14

We’re thankful for our kids! God has a purpose and a plan for each of His children. 

“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

We know it’s up to us to point our kids towards Jesus! Jesus encouraged His disciples to bring the children to Him. 

“People were bringing little children to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:13-16

 

We’re asking for wisdom from God. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God. 

 

“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them…so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life… These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:2, 6-7

 

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done.” Psalm 78:6

“Parents, do no exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and in the instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:1-4

“He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

We’re committed to raising our kids to know Jesus personally, to love God wholeheartedly, and to walk  out their lives in as the Holy Spirit empowers and enables them.

As a result of our relationship with God, our homes will be characterized by the fruit of His Spirit, filled with “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control”. Gal. 5:22

 

Practical ways to guide your children into a relationship with christ:

Continue to develop your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, Bible reading and obedience to God’s Word.

Attend church regularly as a family. Here at Hope Church we begin teaching children lessons from the Bible at age 2. Talk to your children about what they learned at church. Share with them what you learned as well.

Develop Christian friendships with parents who can be mentors to guide you through the child-raising years. Growth groups are a great place to develop these friendships. If you have not joined a Hope Church Small group before… this would be a great step!

Talk about your faith and read from God’s Word at home. Encourage your children to begin memorizing scripture as soon as they are able. Pray with and for your children daily.

Look for opportunities to develop your Christian parenting skills through books, seminars, classes and growth group opportunities.

 

Thank you for allowing us to participate in this special time of prayer for your family!