CHILD DEDICATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS CHILD DEDICATION?
At NSPIRE, child dedications are a time for parents to commit themselves to raising their child in God’s ways and our commitment to you as a church to assist and empower you in that calling. Raising a child in God's ways simply means doing your best as a parent to teach them, pray with them and model healthy relationships until they are old enough to make a commitment to serve God themselves.
Proverbs 22:6 says it this way, "Train up a child in the way they should go so that when they are old, they will not depart from it." This doesn't mean you're going to be a perfect parent who never makes mistakes. It simply means that you'll do your best to follow God and point your children in the right direction.
We see an example of child dedication in the Bible when Samuel's mother dedicated him to God:
"I prayed for this boy, and the Lord has given me the request that I asked of him. Now I dedicate him to the Lord. From this time on he is dedicated to the Lord. Then they worshiped the Lord there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
Proverbs 22:6 says it this way, "Train up a child in the way they should go so that when they are old, they will not depart from it." This doesn't mean you're going to be a perfect parent who never makes mistakes. It simply means that you'll do your best to follow God and point your children in the right direction.
We see an example of child dedication in the Bible when Samuel's mother dedicated him to God:
"I prayed for this boy, and the Lord has given me the request that I asked of him. Now I dedicate him to the Lord. From this time on he is dedicated to the Lord. Then they worshiped the Lord there." 1 Samuel 1:27-28
WHO SHOULD COME?
We strongly encourage you to invite relatives and friends to this special event. The 9:00AM event is for your close circle, but the 10:00AM event is great for anyone who loves your child and wants to come - and if they can't be present, remember that they can watch online through our Facebook page, app, or website (www.nspire.church). This is a huge milestone event in the life of your child and your family and friends will want to participate in this special day!
We will not be taking any photos during the 10:00AM service, but your family and friends are more than welcome to capture photos and video! We'll try to accommodate them as they select good seats or move into the aisles to take pictures.
We will not be taking any photos during the 10:00AM service, but your family and friends are more than welcome to capture photos and video! We'll try to accommodate them as they select good seats or move into the aisles to take pictures.
DOES NSPIRE BAPTIZE INFANTS?
In the Bible, we read about parents who brought their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. NSPIRE believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ for their salvation once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means.
WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT? WHAT HAPPENS THAT DAY?
There will be a gathering for you and your inner circle at 9:00AM in the children's area. You will meet the pastors and other families who are dedicating children. There will be a brief time of sharing by a pastor, followed by a time of prayer in individual family circles.
During the dedication portion of the 10AM service (usually after worship and before the message), we will call your immediate family up on stage (or in front of the stage depending on the number of people). Your extended family and friends are welcome to observe from their selected seats.
We will ask specific questions of you as parents and also some for the extended family and friends. Questions might include:
To the best of your abilities, do you commit as parents to create a stable environment in which your child can grow in God's ways? (You respond, "We do.")
To the best of your abilities, will you commit to create a loving environment for your child by investing in and strengthening your family relationships? (You respond, "We do.")
To the best of your abilities, do you commit to be parents with patience - parenting your children with the same grace that we all receive as children of our Heavenly Father? (You respond, "We do.")
Do you as extended family (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, friends) commit to support this family as they seek to raise this child in God's ways? (They respond, "We do.")
During the dedication portion of the 10AM service (usually after worship and before the message), we will call your immediate family up on stage (or in front of the stage depending on the number of people). Your extended family and friends are welcome to observe from their selected seats.
We will ask specific questions of you as parents and also some for the extended family and friends. Questions might include:
To the best of your abilities, do you commit as parents to create a stable environment in which your child can grow in God's ways? (You respond, "We do.")
To the best of your abilities, will you commit to create a loving environment for your child by investing in and strengthening your family relationships? (You respond, "We do.")
To the best of your abilities, do you commit to be parents with patience - parenting your children with the same grace that we all receive as children of our Heavenly Father? (You respond, "We do.")
Do you as extended family (Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, friends) commit to support this family as they seek to raise this child in God's ways? (They respond, "We do.")
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE DEDICATION?
As you prepare to dedicate your child to God and commit as parents to raise them in God's ways, we encourage you to choose a "life verse" for your child. This is a verse that you choose through prayer that represents your hopes and desires for your child as he or she grows up to serve God. Here are some possible choices, however, you may select any verse like. If you do choose a life verse, send it to Tami at tami@nspire.church and we'll include it on your child's slide!
Jeremiah 29:11
2 Timothy 2:15
Matthew 6:33
Deuteronomy 6:5
1 Chronicles 28:20
Matthew 5:16
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Numbers 6:24-26
Psalm 37:3-5
Psalm 37:23-24
2 Timothy 2:15
Matthew 6:33
Deuteronomy 6:5
1 Chronicles 28:20
Matthew 5:16
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Numbers 6:24-26
Psalm 37:3-5
Psalm 37:23-24
Isaiah 43:1-3
Micah 6:8 3
Isaiah 40:31
Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:13
1 Corinthians 15:58
Romans 8:28
Micah 6:8 3
Isaiah 40:31
Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:8
Philippians 4:13
1 Corinthians 15:58
Romans 8:28
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Email us at tami@nspire.church or matt@nspire.church and we'll be happy to help. It's an honor for us to join you in dedicating your child to God. We’re excited to pray for, support and encourage you in your journey as a parent!