What Is Parent/Child Dedication?
Parenting isn’t easy. It’s full of joys, challenges, and near-constant questions about whether we’re getting it right.
We feel pressure because we know parents are the most important influence in a child’s life. But parents aren’t the sole influence that a child needs. That makes a huge difference, because it means parents get to partner with people who will love and lead their child well.
At Chase Oaks, we care about our next generation. Parent/Child Dedication is an opportunity for you to meet other parents and trusted leaders who will join you in the parenting trenches and speak truth to your kids.
When you dedicate your child, you’re making it clear in front of others that you’ll raise your kids to know Jesus according to biblical teachings. It’s a way to live out the call in Deuteronomy 6:4-7, which says this:
Hear, O Israel: The Lᴏʀᴅ our God, the Lᴏʀᴅ is one. Love the Lᴏʀᴅ your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on 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.
These verses show that as parents seek to love God with all that they are, they set a powerful example for their children. Not merely with words, but with actions and choices. We are to live, teach, and talk about what it means to follow Jesus, and to do it frequently and intentionally. In doing so, we are passing faith to the generations which will come after us.
Still have questions? Here are some FAQs about child dedications:
Q: Is parent/child dedication the same as baptism?
A: No, child dedication is not the same thing as baptism or a personal commitment to be a Christ-follower.
When you dedicate your child, you’re committing to raise them in an environment where they will hear about Jesus and have an opportunity to choose for themselves to follow Him.
When your child makes a personal commitment to follow Christ, they can choose to share that decision with others publicly through baptism.
Q: Why is child dedication important?
A: Child dedication is a spiritually significant milestone for your whole family. It marks your choice as a parent to honor God and to come as you are, be transformed, and make a difference as a family.
That choice will impact your personal and parenting decisions through things like joining a community, serving others, and modeling generosity. In other words, you’re partnering with the church to show your kids what a dynamic, growing faith in Jesus is all about.
Q: What’s the best age to dedicate my child?
A: There is no “right” age; you can dedicate your child at any time. Their chronological age is less important than the principle, which is to let others know that your family will be one that seeks to follow Christ.
Regardless of your kids' age(s), you might want to find a family Bible verse or jot down some core family values that will help to guide you in this journey.
For more perspective, listen to this message on passing the baton of faith to the next generation, or read about tips from veteran parents here and here.
And remember, we’re not alone in the hard work of parenting. God designed it to be done in loving community. Let’s do it together!
Find more info about our KIDS CO. ministry and our upcoming Parent/Child Dedication, here.