Dear Parent, Thank you for your request to participate in a Parent/Child Dedication. We want you to have a clear understanding of what “Parent/Child Dedication” signifies so please read this document before filling out the form below. Be assured that all of the information will be kept confidential and will only be used to assist us in the preparation for the Parent/Child dedication.
We’re so glad you want to dedicated yourselves and your child to the Lord at Emmanuel. Each new child in your home brings a new opportunity to guide a young life to maturity: physically, emotionally and spiritually. It’s an incredible responsibility with lots of challenges. Here at Emmanuel we are committed to helping you in any way we can.
When you dedicate your child to God, you are also dedicating yourself to be used by God to raise your child to live a life honouring to God. Children learn not only by what they are taught but, even more, by what they see. They learn more by example than by words. This is why this dedication is for parents who have committed their own lives to Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. There are no perfect Christians and no perfect parents but we all need to be striving to be all we can be by God’s grace, both as Christians and as parents.
What Is Parent/Child Dedication?
First of all, let us be clear about what it is not. It is not baptism. We believe baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to be Christ followers, having acknowledged their sin and need of Jesus Christ as their Saviour. An infant cannot make that kind of intellectual and spiritual decision. When they have enough understanding and make a personal commitment to Christ, then they can be baptized based on their own commitment. Your child’s dedication is actually more about you giving your child to God and your commitment to raise them according to the scriptures so that, when they have enough understanding, they will have the opportunity to make their own decision to follow Christ. You are committing to be their Life Coach and Spiritual Mentor.
How Can You Help Your Child to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Maturity?
Pray regularly for your child.
The Bible teaches us to pray about everything and to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Our culture is not very Christian friendly so your child needs to be protected from values that are not biblically based. Prayer is part of that protection. We really never stop raising our children, so we should never stop praying for them. We should pray for and guide them to trust Jesus as their own Lord and Savior (Sin-Taker and King) as soon as they are able to understand.
Teach your child biblical principles.
Our church is here to help you with that task. Our programs are based on biblical principles and we teach them in every program from nursery to adult. However, the best teaching is done by you in your home. There will be so many teaching moments as you raise your child, take each one as an opportunity to teach your biblical world view to your child. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Be a living example of Christ to your children.
This may be the biggest challenge of all. Our children see us every day in most of the circumstances of our lives. They see us at our best and at our worse. When your attitude or reaction is wrong, admit it to your child and ask for their forgiveness when appropriate. Let your child see your love and respect for your spouse. Example is so much more powerful than words.
Discipline your children.
The purpose of biblical discipline is to correct, not to punish. Proverbs 19:18 says, “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.” The point of the text is to remind us that an undisciplined child can put himself in danger physically, morally and spiritually. Always have in view the benefits the discipline will have to your child; this will help you to keep your own attitude right. Never discipline in anger.
How Is the Dedication Done?
After your request has been approved and the date verified, arrive in the church office area 15 minutes ahead of the service or at the time designated by the dedicating pastor. If you desire to have other family members stand with you, please indicate that on this form or speak with the dedicating pastor ahead of time. Family members are welcome to stand and take photographs or video if desired. The dedicating pastor will lead you onto the platform. He will explain publicly the meaning of dedication and pray for you and your child. You will then be free to return to your seat or take your child to the nursery. You will know who the dedicating pastor is a week before the dedication date.
Please tell us about yourself.
Briefly describe how you came to trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour
After you fill out this form, Joanne Valler will contact you as to when the next Parent/ Child dedication will be.
