Next Parent Commitment & Child Dedication Ceremony: February 20, 2011 (at the beginning of each Sunday service in the auditorium)


This ceremony is your public commitment before God, friends, and family to raise your child to understand and experience a relationship with Jesus Christ. You are acknowledging that your child is a gift from God and that you need God's guidance and presence in your family to carry out this awesome responsibility entrusted to you. You are inviting God to be active in your and your child's life and making a commitment to raise your child as you submit to God's strength and guidance while partnering with Him in fulfilling His purposes for your child.

It isn't the day of salvation for your child. Salvation is the free gift of God, received when a person grasps their need for Jesus Christ and makes the conscious decision to enter into a relationship with God.

It's not their baptism either. Baptism is the public profession of faith as described above. Once a child is old enough to make a decision to accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior, they can then make a choice to be baptized. At Shoal Creek, a person must be at least 12 years old to be baptized.

What does the Bible say about dedicating children?

Human life is a gift from God and begins at conception.

  • Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him. (Psalm 127:3 NLT)
  • Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)
  • You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. (Psalm 127:3 NLT CEV)

In response to God's gift of children, His people have honored Him by dedicating their children to His purposes.

  • The example of Hannah dedicating Samuel: I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:27-28 NIV)
  • The example of Mary and Joseph dedicating Jesus: When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (Luke 2:22)

 

How old should a child be when he or she is dedicated?

Most children are dedicated as infants, but there is no age limit.

How often does Shoal Creek offer this service?

Once or twice a year.

Do I have to be a member of Shoal Creek Community Church to participate?

No, you do not. Any parent or parents who believe in the Scriptural foundation for dedication of children, who wish to publicly acknowledge God as the giver of life, and who desire to raise their children to understand and experience a relationship with Jesus Christ may participate.

Who should be invited to the service? Do I need to select "God Parents" for my child?

This is a very special time, so be sure to invite your family, friends, and/or small group members. There is no limit on the number of guests you may invite! We do not use the term "God parents" at Shoal Creek, however we certainly support your choice of significant individuals to offer support and encouragement and to hold you accountable to the commitment you will be making.

I am a single parent. May I still dedicate my child?

Absolutely!

What will happen at the dedication service?

 

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the applicable Sunday service.
  • The speaker will welcome all the participants, family, and friends and explain the meaning and significance of the commitment/dedication.
  • The participating parents, child(ren), and any others whom the parents wish to join them will be invited on stage.
  • The Parent Commitment will be read and the participating parents will respond as guided by the speaker ("We will", "Yes", etc.)
  • The participating children will be dedicated.
  • The speaker will offer a challenge to the family, friends and those attending the service to provide their love, encouragement, and support in carrying out the parent's public commitment.
  • A concluding prayer will be offered.

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What is my next step if I desire to participate?

Click the Online Registration image and register your child. If you have questions, please contact Sean Hoeflicker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 816-792-2992, x25.