Family Dedication

“Train up a child in the way he should go
and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Family Dedication involves the entire family. It indicates their willingness to yield to the principles for living found in the Bible. Family Dedication gives parents the opportunity of publicly dedicating their children to the Lord. This is not a substitute for the child’s choice for salvation or baptism.

Families need as much guidance and understanding as possible in order to practice God’s principles. In the framework of the church, families dedicate themselves to instill God’s truth in their childrens’ lives as well as their own. It is not necessary to be a church member in order to participate in Family Dedication.

At a predetermined church service, usually the last Sunday of each month, parents with their newborns or children are introduced (individually) to the church congregation. You will take a public vow at the dedication where you promise God that you will train your child in accordance with the commands and principles found in Scripture.

Family Dedication FAQs.

What is Family Dedication?

Family Dedication involves the entire family. It indicates their willingness to yield to the principles for living found in the Bible. Family Dedication gives parents the opportunity of publicly dedicating their children to the Lord. This is not a substitute for their choice for salvation or baptism.

Why are families dedicated?

Families need as much guidance and understanding as possible in order to practice God’s principles. In the framework of the church, families dedicate themselves to instill God’s truth in their children’s lives as well as their own.

What happens at a Family Dedication Service?

At a predetermined church service, parents with their newborns or children are introduced (individually) to the church congregation. As a group, they’ll be asked to respond to the following pledge:

Will you this day pledge yourselves before Almighty God and in the presence of these witnesses to study and understand God’s commands and principles of child raising contained in His Holy Word? Will you pledge yourselves to train up this child in accordance with the commands and principles found in Scripture? Will you pledge yourselves not only to teach this child the Word of God, but to also pattern your own lives by the Bible?

Is church membership at FBC required in order to participate?

No.

What do I need to do in order to participate?

Call the FBC office to request a Family Dedication Application Form or click here to complete the application online or click here to download the PDF, complete the form, and send it to the church office via mail, fax or email. Feel free to contact Dianna Ball at (480) 839-0926 or dball@fbc-tempe.org if you have any questions.

 

Keys for Raising Children in Christ

“We have a responsibility, as adults, to make
an invisible God, visible to children.”

• Learn to recognize Him ourselves. (John 14:19-21)

Do YOU believe that God is always working in YOUR life? – If you can’t see Him, you can’t show Him to others.

• Exert primary influence while you can. (Proverbs 4:1-4 and 10-21)

“tender” (verse 3) – There is a brief period of time when children believe adults know everything – we must feed them truth at this time.

Children learn by repetition – repeat godly principles at every opportunity and in every way – teaching, prayer, music, reading, etc.

• Personally demonstrate the relevance of God’s Word. (Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33)

Teach children that God honors decisions they make when their choices obey Him.

We influence our children all the time – whether for good or for evil. Turn to Jesus and they will learn to do the same.

• Seize opportunities to teach about God. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

In the Hebrew home, God was a way of life. They talked about Him all the time.

• Grow with them. (1 Corinthians 13:11)

Develop and teach a daily devotional time.

• Dedicate them to God. (Proverbs 22:16)

This verse does not promise a personal relationship with God. It is a promise that if we teach them well, they will never be able to get away from the truth.

Adapted from To Live Is Christ by Beth Moore