Child Dedication Service

Introduction

At Granger MC, we rejoice over the children entrusted to us and greatly value the role parents, as well as the entire church body, play in the process of raising children to delight in the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

We understand that Child Dedication and Parent Commissioning are not commanded in Scripture; however, we do find examples of parents dedicating their children to God and his service (such as Hannah’s dedication of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1 and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple). We also believe it flows from all that Scripture teaches about children and the family. Following the pattern of Scripture, these parents are bringing these children not to the church but to God to be dedicated.

The public celebration of children and commissioning of parents serves two main purposes:

Celebration

Commissioning

Celebration

Throughout Scripture, children are understood as gracious gifts from our loving Father in heaven.

Psalm 127:3–5

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man who fills his quive r with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Because of this, we believe it is right to publicly celebrate the good gifts God has given our parents and our church as a whole.

In celebrating the life of a child, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty in the creation of, the giving of, and the sustaining of the child’s as well as acknowledging His sovereignty in placing this specific child in this specific family.

In this public celebration, we praise God thanking Him for His good gift while hoping in Him to use this child for His glory and the advancement of the gospel.

Commissioning

The second part of this service is a commissioning. At Granger MC we are fully devoted to Christ, our neighbors, and the nations. This is how we fulfill Christ’s command to make disciples. We believe that discipleship takes place first and foremost in the home and the primary responsibility of discipleship lies with the parents.

In the commissioning of the parents, we recognize the weighty responsibility of parents to lead their children like Jesus and to Jesus. Ultimately, the decision to follow Christ will be the child’s and not the parents; however, we believe it is the responsibility of the parents to create a home environment where the gospel is clearly understood, clearly taught, and clearly evidenced. We believe this is what Paul means when he writes:

Ephesians 6:4

4Fathers, . . . bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Psalm 78:4–7 (ESV)

4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;

To be clear, this act does not determine a child’s salvation, for each person is saved by grace alone through their faith alone in Christ alone. However, it is our prayerful hope that this time of celebration and commissioning will be a starting point in a child’s spiritual journey toward a Jesus-first life alongside a faithful gospel community.

Because of this, it is our role, as a church to come alongside the family and support the family in both practical and prayerful ways to encourage, equip, and hold accountable the parents as they lead their family in faith.

[Call Parents and Children forward]

[Introduce Parents and Children]

Public Commissioning

To the Church:

“This morning we, as a church, praise God for his kindness to us, especially in entrusting us with little children. What a gracious gift [NAMES] are to our church body. What we are doing today does not save our children – salvation is from the Lord and comes by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. But we do hope today is a significant day; we hope that today is the beginning of a spiritual journey for our children and our whole church as we seek God’s blessings to help us make disciples that delight in the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Today we celebrate the gift of children to us.”

To the Parents:

Charge to the Parents

“At Granger Missionary Church we are fully devoted to Christ, our neighbors, and the nations. In seeking to fulfill this mission, we have the opportunity to disciple the littlest ones among us.”

“Because of this, Mom and Dad, hear God’s plan for discipleship in your home:

Deuteronomy 6:4–7

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your might.

6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

7 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.

Promise of the Parents

[The parents are then asked to respond to the following questions:]

- “Will you commit to raising your children in the gospel of our Lord, creating an environment at home where the gospel can flourish?”

- [Respond by saying, “I will.”]

- “Will you commit to teach your children the gospel of Jesus, first and foremost by your example as you live fully devoted to Christ, as well as actively communicating the truth of God’s Word?”

[Respond by saying, “I will.”]

- “Will you commit to regularly pray for your children, that they will trust in Christ as their Savior, live for His glory, and follow Him all the days of their life?”

[Respond by saying, “I will.”]

“With this in mind, I charge you, moms and dads, in the presence of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life that is fully devoted to Christ, to show and share the gospel of Jesus whenever possible, and to partner with the church in reaching the next generation for Jesus.”

To the Church:

And now, Church: Will you commit to walking with these families to help lead these children to become fully devoted to Christ by supporting the family in prayer and serving these children with the gospel?

[Respond by saying, “We will.”]

[PRAY]

Order for Child Celebration and Membership for Sunday 10/30

Child Celebration and Parent Commissioning

Introduction / Child Celebration / Parent Commissioning

PJ will explain what the child celebration / parent commission is.

PJ will call parents and children forward

PJ will introduce parents and children

Public Commissioning

PJ will read the Charge to the Parents

PJ will ask the parents to the following questions, then PJ will read the Promise of the Parents

PJ will read the charge to the church

PJ will pray