Why do we have Parent Dedication?
Mark 10:13–14 says, “And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" Just as Jesus has a special love for children, First Baptist Church wants to follow Christ’s love to the children in our church. We understand the important role parents play in raising their children. Our role as the church is to encourage parents (members in good standing) as they raise their children biblically in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). Let’s be clear
While Parent Dedication is not a biblical mandate, it is a time in which our church members and families by praying for the parents and their children. Our church makes a commitment to come alongside the parents and reinforce what the parents are already teaching their children in the home. It is also a time for parents (members in good standing) to dedicate themselves publicly in the responsibility of nurturing their children in the fear of the Lord. Our goal in Parent Dedication is to encourage parents for the mission they have in raising their children.
What it is...
Parent Dedication is a time during our Sunday service where you, as parents, make a public commitment to raise your child(ren) in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
Parent Dedication is a time for parents to ask for accountability as they raise their child(ren) according to God’s Word.
Parent Dedication is a time for the congregation to make a commitment to come along side you as parents and encourage you to raise your child(ren) according to God’s Word.
Parent Dedication is a time for the church to pray for you as parents in your responsibility to raise your child(ren) and pray for the salvation of your child.
Parent Dedication is a practice that encourages the biblical principle of fellowship in the local body and parental responsibility in raising children.
Parent Dedication is for members (in good standing), parents and legal guardians only.
What it is not...
Parent Dedication is not a replacement nor a detraction from the Affirmation of Commitment given in the church membership process.
Parent Dedication is not a replacement for infant baptism. First Baptist Church does not teach infant baptism but teaches that baptism is only for believers. Believers are those who have repented and believed the gospel. Besides a baby cannot make or take such a decision.
Parent Dedication does not place your child into a covenant community.
Parent Dedication does not bestow any type of special blessing upon your child. There is no spiritual transaction that happens during Parent Dedication. We recognize that salvation only comes to a child through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not passed on to a child through dedication.
We at First Baptist Church believe that all infants are destined for heaven should they die before they are old enough to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Parent Dedication does not affirm or predict the salvation of your child.
A Christian Parent’s Covenant
“Declaring Christ as Savior and Lord and believing in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I this day acknowledge that my children are gifts from God, that I am a caretaker by His grace and, therefore, I accept the responsibility for raising my family to know and follow Jesus.
“With God as my strength, I promise to give my child every possible benefit of home, school, church and community. And I ask His blessing upon my child, to guide and guard through all his/her years. Amen.”
You will be asked to respond to the following statements:
I will demonstrate for my child Christian integrity in my personal life.
I will teach my child the meaning of fidelity in my marriage. I will show my child the meaning of fellowship and servanthood through my church.
I will model my faith in my life, in prayer, and the application of the Bible’s truth as I teach my child to follow Jesus as Lord.