Parent Dedication

What’s the difference between baby dedication and baptism?

Baptism is one of those subjects that has different traditions and interpretations of Scripture tied to it. We see our Parent Dedication Celebration as something parents do as a pledge of their commitment to rear their child in a God-honoring home. Baptism, on the other hand, is to be for those people who have already placed their faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Our Parent Dedication is an opportunity for parents to acknowledge their responsibility and commitment to rear their child in a God-honoring home.

Twice a year, we host a special Sunday afternoon celebration as an opportunity for parents to publicly make a commitment before God, their family, and friends. This is also a time when family and friends pledge their support of these parents as they seek to rear their child to know, love, and follow God. This event has two parts, the preparation and the celebration itself.

Parent Dedication Preparation

The preparation piece looks different, depending on whether this is your first child. First-time parents attend a Zero to One class, in which we spend some time thinking about what it will look like to parent during that first year of life.

All parents must also watch two brief Parent Talks (shown right) and complete the related homework assignments. Both talks will help you, as a parent, intentionally do so with the end in mind and help you put a priority on your own personal growth.

Parent Dedication Celebration 

After you have completed the prerequisites, click below to register for the next Parent Dedication.

Parent Talk #1

Parent Talk #2

Homework #1:

Write a letter to your child casting vision for the kind of person you hope your child will become over the next 18 years. Include three or four descriptive words that represent the character you hope your child embodies. The letter will be shared during the family/friends time of the celebration. The three or four descriptive words will be shared, along with the life verse, during the event when your child is introduced to the audience.

Homework #2:

Select a verse from the Bible to be your child’s life verse. As your child grows, keep this verse in front of him/her as a consistent reminder.