Why do we do this?
The book of 1 Samuel tells us about a woman named Hannah who wanted a to have a child so bad, but couldn't. She pleaded with God and said this to Him, And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head. (1 Samuel 1:11) God answers he prayer and Scripture tells us that she dedicated Samuel to the Lord. Hannah said, "For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord .” And she worshiped the Lord there.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. The Lord gives a charge to parents in these verses to use for prime times during the day to teach children how to love God with all their heart, soul and might - (1) when you sit together at home (2) when you drive to school, practice, or any travel (3) right before they go to sleep and (4) right when they wake up. God softens children's heart during these times.
At Calvary Bible Chapel, dad and mom play the most important role in shaping a child's heart after Christ-likeness. We like to commemorate this important aspect of parenting through Parent + Child Dedication. While Dedication is not a biblical mandate, it is a time in which our church partners with 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 to dedicate themselves publicly in the responsibility of nurturing their children in the fear of the Lord. Our goal in Parent + Child Dedication is to encourage parents for the task they have in raising their children.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. The Lord gives a charge to parents in these verses to use for prime times during the day to teach children how to love God with all their heart, soul and might - (1) when you sit together at home (2) when you drive to school, practice, or any travel (3) right before they go to sleep and (4) right when they wake up. God softens children's heart during these times.
At Calvary Bible Chapel, dad and mom play the most important role in shaping a child's heart after Christ-likeness. We like to commemorate this important aspect of parenting through Parent + Child Dedication. While Dedication is not a biblical mandate, it is a time in which our church partners with 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 to dedicate themselves publicly in the responsibility of nurturing their children in the fear of the Lord. Our goal in Parent + Child Dedication is to encourage parents for the task they have in raising their children.
What it is...
- A special time during our Mother's Day service (10a) where you, as parents, make a public commitment to raise your child(ren) in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
- A time for parents to ask for accountability as they raise their child(ren) according to God’s Word.
- 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.
- A time for the church to pray for you as parents in your duty to raise your child(ren) and pray for the salvation of your child.
- A practice that encourages the biblical principle of fellowship in the local body and parental responsibility in raising children.
- Parent + Child Dedication is for parents and legal guardians.
- Parent + Child Dedication is for children who are 12 years old or younger.
What it is not...
- A replacement nor a detraction from Church Membership. The child is not becoming a member of the church. This decision needs to be made of one's own volition.
- A replacement for infant baptism. CBC does not practice infant baptism.
- Parent + Child Dedication does not affirm or predict the salvation of your child. Nor does this practice save your child's soul.
