Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me..."
Matthew 19:14
Dear parents,
We are excited that you have decided to join us in the Child Dedication process! It is our desire to help set you on a great course of parenting. The dedication process is not magical and could probably be more appropriately named "parent dedication." In this process you'll be the one making the commitment and dedicating yourselves. This is a step you take as a parent to commit to raising your child in a way that honors God and points your child toward Christ.
Here's how the process works. In addition to the intro video here, we have provided two short videos that we'd like you to watch. These were created by some of our friends that are in ministry in other areas of the country. After listening to these teachings there is a short homework assignment. Nothing super difficult and no arithmetic or physics required. We promise.
Are you ready? Here we go...
We are excited that you have decided to join us in the Child Dedication process! It is our desire to help set you on a great course of parenting. The dedication process is not magical and could probably be more appropriately named "parent dedication." In this process you'll be the one making the commitment and dedicating yourselves. This is a step you take as a parent to commit to raising your child in a way that honors God and points your child toward Christ.
Here's how the process works. In addition to the intro video here, we have provided two short videos that we'd like you to watch. These were created by some of our friends that are in ministry in other areas of the country. After listening to these teachings there is a short homework assignment. Nothing super difficult and no arithmetic or physics required. We promise.
Are you ready? Here we go...
Step 1
IMAGINE THE END
Parent Talk #1
First watch Parent Talk #1 and then complete the following:
Homework Assignment #1: On the provided downloadable card, write a description of the kind of person you hope your child will become by his or her 18th birthday. Every year on their birthday, pull out the card. This exercise will give you a chance to evaluate how you’re doing as you lead your child spiritually and to remember the importance of your child’s relationship with our heavenly Father.
Homework Assignment #1: On the provided downloadable card, write a description of the kind of person you hope your child will become by his or her 18th birthday. Every year on their birthday, pull out the card. This exercise will give you a chance to evaluate how you’re doing as you lead your child spiritually and to remember the importance of your child’s relationship with our heavenly Father.
Step 2
WIDENING THE CIRCLE
Parent Talk #2
First watch Parent Talk #2 and then complete the following:
Homework Assignment #2: Your homework for this video is to decide who you are going to invite to DEDICATION SUNDAY, and to invite them. Feel free to invite any individuals who have had (or will have) a great influence in your child's life. In addition to your immediate family, this might include grandparents, aunts and uncles, close friends, and others who have a special role in your family. You can go simple and just call 'em up or send them a text.
Another important piece is to choose someone from your circle to pray over your child and your family at the dedication. Once you have someone who is willing to pray, share the link below to an informational video created just for that person. Feel free to contact us at tami@nspire.church or matt@nspire.church if you have any questions about the assignments or the dedication service. We are excited to celebrate with you!
Homework Assignment #2: Your homework for this video is to decide who you are going to invite to DEDICATION SUNDAY, and to invite them. Feel free to invite any individuals who have had (or will have) a great influence in your child's life. In addition to your immediate family, this might include grandparents, aunts and uncles, close friends, and others who have a special role in your family. You can go simple and just call 'em up or send them a text.
Another important piece is to choose someone from your circle to pray over your child and your family at the dedication. Once you have someone who is willing to pray, share the link below to an informational video created just for that person. Feel free to contact us at tami@nspire.church or matt@nspire.church if you have any questions about the assignments or the dedication service. We are excited to celebrate with you!
Step 3
COMMUNICATE YOUR PLANS
You're almost done! If you've completed your homework, send the following information to Pastor Tami at tami@nspire.church:
- The child's full name as you want it to appear on the screens.
- A high resolution photo of the child.
- The number of people from your close circle you are inviting to the 9:00AM celebration.
- The life verse you have chosen for your child. (This is optional - see the FAQ section.)