Parent/Child Dedication
JUNE 1, 2025
“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.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV)
REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED BY MAY 18
What is Parent/Child Dedication?
We are excited that you are interested in dedicating your child to the Lord. The purpose of Parent/Child dedication is for parents to present their child before God and the church, committing to seek after His grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities as parents.
We believe Psalm 127:3, which says “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Parent/Child Dedication is a time for us to celebrate and thank God for the gift of your children. It’s also a time for you, as parents, to commit to model what following Jesus looks like and to raise your children to understand that they are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, to believe that the Bible is absolute Truth, and to know the importance of committing to a community of faith through the local church.
Expectations of Parents
Personal Relationship with Jesus
At least one or both of the parents have made a commitment to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We recognize that there are many families in which only one parent has come to faith and the spouse that is not yet a believer would like to participate—that is okay.
Share the Beliefs of 3CC
Parent(s) agree with 3rd Coast Church’s beliefs and values.
Attend 3rd Coast Church
Parent(s) are regular attenders of 3rd Coast Church’s weekend services and are following Christ in their own life by growing in 3CC’s values to spend time with God, follow Jesus, connect in community, serve others, and live generously.
Commit to Be an Example
Parent(s) commit to modeling personal purity and to lead by example in matters of faith and conduct. That means living a life of sexual purity according to God's standards.
Frequently Asked Questions and Important Information
What is the Biblical purpose for parent/child dedication?
The scriptural root of child dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:27–28 (NASB), where a godly woman named Hannah prayed year after year for God to give her a child. He answered her prayer and she gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel. When Samuel was born, Hannah prayed these words:
"For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord."
A New Testament example is in Luke, chapter 2. Following the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple and dedicated him.
In both Scripture passages, the parents entrusted their child completely to God. The writings of Moses, found in Deuteronomy 6:5–9, describe God's plan for how a parent should raise up a child:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates."
At 3rd Coast Church, child dedication will help you mark this step as you publicly express your desire to raise your children with Godly principles.
Can a single parent participate in a child dedication service?
Yes! Child dedication signifies the commitment of parents, including single parents, to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We encourage single parents to include any important figures in their child’s life to be a part of the dedication. As a church, 3rd Coast is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.
Is Dedication the same as Baptism?
3rd Coast Church believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means.
Dedication is not a sacrament; nor does it impart grace or salvation to a child. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through him and his sacrifice on the cross.
Rather than baptizing infants or children, we encourage a dedication ceremony, where parents formally call upon God’s blessing for their child and publicly commit to raise him or her in accordance with Scripture.
What should I expect for Parent/Child Dedication?
Parent/Child Dedication will be a part of our regular Sunday service on June 1, 2025. During the ceremony, parent(s) publicly commit to help their child grow in their faith and to raise them in a home centered on Jesus. Our team welcomes the child and parent(s), prays over each family, and presents a gift to each child. Before the service on June 1, we will have a Blessings Banquet for those families participating in Dedication.
What is a Blessings Banquet?
Before the service on June 1 we will be holding a special banquet for all the families participating in our dedication service. During this banquet, we will share a meal together, hear a quick word from Pastor Kyle about dedication, and parents will speak a blessing over their child/children.
What is a Blessing?
Negative voices bombard us daily. It is hard not to take in the negative comments and thoughts and instead remind ourselves of the truth. Children are natural learners; they are like sponges absorbing what they hear and see around them. It is our job as parents and leaders to guard and fight for the identity of our children. We can give them the foundation of truth they will need to extinguish the flaming arrows of negativity and lies that the enemy throws at them. We can speak God’s truth and love over them! This is a blessing.