We are glad you are exploring child dedication at Heartland. There are several weekends on which we do child dedications. There is also the option to have your child's dedication done in your small group.
If you would like to register your child for one of these dates please take a few minutes to read through the below information on child dedication at Heartland.
If you would like to register your child for one of these dates please take a few minutes to read through the below information on child dedication at Heartland.
UPCOMING HEARTLAND CHILD DEDICATION WEEKENDS:
February 17/18, 2024
May 18/19, 2024
Please register HERE.
February 17/18, 2024
May 18/19, 2024
Please register HERE.
How Does Heartland Do Child Dedications?
At least one parent must have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and strive to live a life that glorifies God in every aspect.
Question: Is there anything in your life right now, that if it came to light, would discredit the vows of Dedication that you will be making? If yes, what do you intend to do and how can we help you?
Question: Is there anything in your life right now, that if it came to light, would discredit the vows of Dedication that you will be making? If yes, what do you intend to do and how can we help you?
- At least one parent must be a regular attendee of Heartland Alliance Church.
- Fill out the Child Dedication FORM.
- Arrangements will be made for the pastor of your choice or your small group leader to meet with you.
- Part of a regular worship service will be designated for the ceremony, or the ceremony can be held in your small group with the pastor or your small group leader presiding.
What Does the Bible Say About Child Dedication?
At Heartland Alliance Church the Bible is our authority and guide in all matters of faith and practice.
Biblical examples:
The public act of dedicating a child to God is a direct response to the Scriptures that teach:
1. Children are a gift from God.
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3)
2. A child’s spiritual life is vitally important.
3. Parents are “stewards”, raising children according to God’s plan, therefore, parents dedicate themselves as well as their child. With Child Dedication parents are publicly declaring a commitment to raise their children according to God’s plan. They will be God’s representatives in their children’s lives, to do everything possible to create a healthy environment, at home and within the Christian community, for their children to grow up knowing and loving God.
4. Parents need God’s help to raise, guide and protect children.
5. There is a blessing to those who honor God, not just for themselves but for their children and their children’s children.
6. The vows that parents make are not only a declaration to God and the people present but also to the spiritual realm as well.
7. As the Body of Christ and spiritual family, we, the church, enter into an accountability relationship with the parents, accepting help from one another when necessary or beneficial.
8. Dedication of children is not an expression of faith on the child's part in any way. The Scriptures teach that every person must personally repent of their own sins and make an individual profession of faith. Parents cannot do this for their children.
Biblical examples:
- I Samuel 1:24-28 (Hannah presenting Samuel)
- Luke 2:22 (Joseph and Mary presenting Jesus)
The public act of dedicating a child to God is a direct response to the Scriptures that teach:
1. Children are a gift from God.
Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3)
2. A child’s spiritual life is vitally important.
Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1-2)
3. Parents are “stewards”, raising children according to God’s plan, therefore, parents dedicate themselves as well as their child. With Child Dedication parents are publicly declaring a commitment to raise their children according to God’s plan. They will be God’s representatives in their children’s lives, to do everything possible to create a healthy environment, at home and within the Christian community, for their children to grow up knowing and loving God.
"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." (Deuteronomy 5:9-10)
4. Parents need God’s help to raise, guide and protect children.
…God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid… (Hebrews 13:5-6)
5. There is a blessing to those who honor God, not just for themselves but for their children and their children’s children.
I, the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the children with the sins of the father to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep my commandments. (Deuteronomy 5:9-10)
6. The vows that parents make are not only a declaration to God and the people present but also to the spiritual realm as well.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)
7. As the Body of Christ and spiritual family, we, the church, enter into an accountability relationship with the parents, accepting help from one another when necessary or beneficial.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)
8. Dedication of children is not an expression of faith on the child's part in any way. The Scriptures teach that every person must personally repent of their own sins and make an individual profession of faith. Parents cannot do this for their children.
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord... (Acts 3:19)
Heartland's Child Dedication Ceremony
Because you are affirming that your child is a gift from God and that He holds you responsible for how you raise him/her the Pastor/Small Group Leader will lead you in confirming your commitment of the following:
Because we, the church, are affirming that you are not alone and that we want to be an encouragement to you, the Pastor/Small Group Leader will pray the following for you:
- Do you dedicate yourselves to raise your child in the ways of the Lord, providing opportunities for a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord?
- Will you pray for, and with, your child to encourage a personal, intimate and dependant relationship with Jesus?
- Will you teach your child about Jesus and the truth of the Bible as God’s Word?
- Will you model biblical values through personal godliness and provide a living example of a Christ-centered life?
- Will you involve your child in the life of the church, nurturing a love for the Body of Christ?
- Will you instill a joy in serving the Lord by demonstrating a heart of service?
Because we, the church, are affirming that you are not alone and that we want to be an encouragement to you, the Pastor/Small Group Leader will pray the following for you:
- That as your church family we support you in your commitment to establish a godly home where biblical values are the foundation and Christ is at the center.
- That you will experience the blessings of His joy and peace as you partner with Him in raising your family.
- That you may be blessed by God’s presence in the good times and through the difficult challenges of life for He has promised to always be with you.
- That God will bless you and your family through the generations with His faithfulness as you put Him first in your life and walk with Him.