Parent dedication: Ages newborn - 2

Commit to raise your child in a god-honoring home

What is the parent dedication step?

The first step on the Faith Path is Parent Dedication (geared for parents of newborns to 2-year-olds). This is a special time where you – the primary faith trainer of your child – make a formal commitment to raise them in a Christ-centered home. We see examples of this in Scripture, such as when Hannah dedicated Samuel at the temple (1 Samuel 1:24–2:10) and when Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus (Luke 2:22). Ideally, you want to make this commitment in front of your family or church as a public pledge that you will raise your child to know, love, and follow Jesus.

Overall, Parent Dedication is your commitment to model, teach, and reinforce the Christian faith by intentionally raising your child in a Christ-centered home. It should not be confused with your child’s personal choice to follow Christ. The Bible clearly teaches that each person must decide for themselves to trust in Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9-10). The age a child is ready to make this personal decision will vary depending on the child.

Put it into practice

Below are some ideas for making your dedication a special time…
  • Schedule a public expression of your dedication. Our child dedications at CCC are twice a year.
  • Have a dinner or celebration time with family and friends before/after the time of dedication.
  • Invite family members and special family friends to write blessings to your child as a keepsake. Make sure that you write one too!
  • Record a video message for your child to view in the future. Speak words of affirmation, sharing how you are praying for their spiritual journey and how you desire to point them toward Christ. You can also write a letter if that works better for you.

What To Say in A Parent Dedication

We ask each dad to say just a brief word. We hope by this to model the spiritual leadership to which God has called each husband/father. Many dads share a verse they have chosen and add something that makes the day a special one. The pastor will then lead you through a series of questions that the parents will respond to. A prayer of dedication will conclude our parent child dedication.

Next Steps

Keep an eye out for our Child dedication Sundays at CCC. They are typically on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in January; and Father’s Day in June.

Additional Resources