Our next Parent Child Dedication service is scheduled for August 15, 2010. Sign ups will begin July 7 and end on August 4. If you have further questions, feel free to contact someone in our preschool office. 

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT OUR PARENT CHILD DEDICATION SUNDAY'S:

 

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6

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 6:6-7

Jersey Baptist provides a Parent-Child Dedication service several times throughout the year during the morning worship services. These services provide parents the opportunity to make a public commitment to God and the congregation that they will indeed obey His command given to parents in Deuteronomy. The dedication service does not save a child or guarantee his or her salvation at some future time. It does express the parents' desire to be obedient to God’s commands. Therefore, as children mature under the godly, loving, watchful care of their parents, together with the support of the church, they will develop an understanding of God’s love and care for them. As they are taught the ways of our Lord, the Holy Spirit will have a firm ground to do His work as He draws them to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

 

FAQ’s about Parent/Child Dedication….   

What is Parent/Child Dedication?

Parent/Child Dedication is parental recognition of a blessed responsibility and a sacred trust to raise their child in the nurture and instruction of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Dedication service provides you, as a parent, an opportunity to make this commitment public before God, your friends and family.  

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs 22:6  

“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 6:6-7    
 

It is the duty of the parents with the help of the Holy Spirit to provide an environment where a child is encouraged to seek the things of God. In the Dedication service parents commit themselves to seeking God on behalf of their

Children. At the same time, we at Jersey seek to support parents in their task of raising up godly children. 

What is involved in this commitment?

· It is a promise to do your best in raising your child in a Christian environment with the hope that someday they will be saved.

· It is a public prayer, recognizing that your child belongs to God and that you act as trustees to guide your child in truth and wisdom while asking God for His help and blessing.

· It is a special moment when you publicly declare your faith in Christ and your willingness to model a life of faith for your children.

· The church receives the child under its umbrella of ministry and promises to encourage and work with you.  

How does a Parent/Child Dedication differ from child baptism or christening?

The Bible teaches that baptism is for people who have made a choice to repent of their sins and invite Jesus Christ in their lives to be their Savior and Lord. Therefore, we baptize only those who can give verbal testimony of their personal faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus, Himself was presented in the Temple by His earthly parents in Luke 2:22-24, but this did not involve infant baptism. 

Does Parent/Child Dedication guarantee my child’s eternal salvation?

The Dedication service does not save a child or guarantee their salvation at some time in the future. Salvation only comes through Jesus Christ as each person recognizes his or her sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. It does indicate the parents desire to be obedient to God’s commands. 

If a Parent/Child Dedication doesn’t lead to salvation, why is it important?

We believe that children belong first and foremost to God. We not only have an awesome responsibility to care for this gift but also to enjoy this gift. tThe Bible states, “Behold children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”  Psalm 127:3. Although there are no specific scriptures that command us to dedicate our children, there are some very good examples for us to follow. (1.) Abraham was willing to sacrifice Issac, Genesis 22. (2.) Hannah took her son to the temple to give him to the Lord, 1 Samuel 1:24. (3.) Zacharias’ prophecy in itself is an acknowledgement of the call of God on John’s life, Luke 1:67-80. The gift of a child is given to parents by grace, so it is God honoring to dedicate them back to Him.  

Why do I need to be an active member of Jersey Baptist Church to participate in Parent/Child Dedication?

We are asking the church family to support your public commitment and it would be difficult to ask that from our church if a parent is unwilling to make themselves accountable to the church.    

How can the church help my child?

We will support you and your child through prayer, encouragement and sound Biblical teachings.   

Is there an age limit?

No  
 

If I am a single parent, may I still dedicate my child?

If the parents are not married, a counseling session will be held before a date is set for the Dedication. 

Do I have to stand in front of the church and say anything?

Yes. The parents, the child being dedicated, and the siblings will be asked to stand while being introduced to the church family. The pastor will ask you to respond to his challenge to raise your child up in the ways of the Lord by vowing, “We will.” After a prayer of dedication, you will be dismissed to your seats.  

Do I have to take a special class?

Not at this time, but information will be sent to you along with a confirmation of dedication letter.  

How can I prepare myself and my child for the

Dedication service?

Please plan to be at least 15 minutes early to check in with the Preschool Director at the front on the worship venue. This will help us be aware that you have arrived and ensure adequate seating for all guests. Please communicate with your child about this special day in their lives by preparing them to be surrounded by many people.   

How can my family and friends participate in the Dedication?

Following the 11:00AM service there will be a reception for parents, family and friends. This will allow family and friends time to relay affirmation, take photo memories of the day and have an opportunity to fellowship with other participants and their families. There is no limit to the number of guests that you may invite, however you must give the Preschool Director the number of guests you have invited at least one week before the service. Light refreshments will be served.  

Can I take video or pictures during the Dedication?

Video taping is permitted but we ask that no flash

photography take place during the worship service. You will have an opportunity to take photos at the receptionfollowing each service.   

How can I honor my commitment that I have made to the church and my child?

You can make an investment in the spiritual growth of your child by volunteering to serve in the ministry in which your child is involved. There are many opportunities that cover a wide range of service areas.  

Who can I call if I have any questions?

The Preschool Ministry office will be happy to answer any and all questions that you may have regarding Parent/Child Dedication. They can be reached by calling the church office at 740-927-1859 or by email (see back cover). 

 

Thank you for taking the time to review this information.  We pray that it will provide you with a more in-depth understanding of this special event.