​​​1. Parent Dedication (Ages: Newborn – 2)

Commit to Raise Your Child in a God-Honoring Home

 

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What is The Parent Dedication Step?

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The first step on the Shema Path is Parent Dedication (geared for parents of newborns to 2-year-olds). This is a special time where you – the primary faith trainer of your child – make a formal commitment to raise them in a Christ-centered home. We see examples of this in Scripture, such as when Hannah dedicated Samuel at the temple (1 Samuel 1:24–2:10) and when Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus (Luke 2:22). Ideally, you want to make this commitment in front of your family or community group as a public pledge that you will raise your child to know, love, and follow Jesus.

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Overall, Parent Dedication is your commitment to model, teach, and reinforce the Christian faith by intentionally raising your child in a Christ-centered home. It should not be confused with your child’s personal choice to follow Christ. The Bible clearly teaches that each person must decide for themselves to trust in Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10). The age a child is ready to make this personal decision will vary depending on the child.

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​Put It Into Practice

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Below are some ideas for making your dedication a special time…

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• Schedule a public expression of your dedication (a sample below).

• Have a dinner or celebration time with family and friends before/after the time of dedication.

• Invite family members and special family friends to write blessings to your child as a keepsake. Make sure that you write one too!

• Record a video message for your child to view in the future. Speak words of affirmation, sharing how you are praying for their spiritual journey and how you desire to point them toward Christ. You can also write a letter if that works better for you.

 

What To Say in A Parent Dedication

 

Below is a sample script and ideas for what to share during your parent dedication.

 

Begin by sharing your child’s name and meaning, the life verse you are praying for them, or even have some formal declarations, such as:

(Pro tip: you may need to recruit a trusted friend, family member, or community group member to act as the “leader” in your parent dedication)

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Leader to parent/parents: Parents, the child you hold is a gift from God. Psalm 127 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them.” Before the thought of a child entered your minds, the Lord had already determined their birth and their coming home to you, and He has entrusted you with the magnificent responsibility of parenthood.

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Leader to parent/parents: Scripture commands you to raise your child “in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Today, you are publicly declaring that you understand your role as the primary faith trainer of your children and that – by the power of the Holy Spirit – you will intentionally raise them in a Christ-centered, God-honoring home. You will be the ones to model, teach, and reinforce the Christian faith every day. Do you accept this role and commit to nurture them, love them, and set their feet on a path of following Jesus as the Lord of their lives?

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Parents: We do.

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Leader to family/friends: Grandparents, relatives, and friends, today we have heard these parents declare that, by God’s grace, they will take the gospel into their homes. But we are also promising to partner with them and to prayerfully walk this journey alongside them, with the goal of seeing these children know Christ and glorify Him. Do you pledge to be a faithful resource, friend, example, and teacher who always points them to the truth of the Bible?

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Family/Friends: We do.

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Next Steps

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• Decide who will lead the event (a parent, family member, or community group leader) to provide structure and leadership for this special time. If you have a personal relationship with one of the pastors on staff at NVCCC, you are welcome to approach them about taking part.

• A room can be arraigned for parent dedications on Sunday afternoons (2-4 PM).

• Send invitations to your relatives and friends.

• Send us your stories! We would love to hear how your special time of celebration and dedication changed lives and blessed you and your community.

 

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Additional Resources

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• Bumps, Babies, and the Gospel by Sarah Dargue

• Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman

• Dad Tired and Loving It: Stumbling Your Way To Spiritual Leadership by Jerrad Lopes

• Dedicated to the Lord: Five Parental Promises for the Faithful Discipleship of Children by David Michael

• Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler​​