Parent Commission and Family Dedication
We promise to help you raise them.
Some churches call it a child dedication. At Mt. Carmel we commission the parents first, because Scripture gives them the job, and then the church promises to stand behind them.
On the day
- Meet in the foyer
- 10:40 AM
- You receive
- A certificate and a Bible
What happens at a family dedication?
A blessing is pronounced over the child and the parents, and two promises are made out loud.
Parents dedicate themselves to raising their child in a Christ-centered manner. The church responds to this call as partners in the child’s Christian development. Parents are identified as the primary disciple-makers of their children, and the church publicly affirms this God-ordained call.
The order of service
Here is every step, in order, so nothing on the morning is a surprise.
Meet in the foyer
Parents and children meet in the foyer at 10:40 AM on the Sunday of the dedication.
Come to the platform
The parents and children come onto the platform together.
Families are introduced
Pastor Josh Taylor introduces each family and recognizes the family members present in the congregation.
The purpose is explained
Pastor Thomas Lawrence presents the purpose of parent commission and family dedication.
Parents and church affirm
Pastor Josh Taylor asks the parents to affirm their commitments by responding “We do.” He then asks the congregation to affirm their commitments the same way.
A prayer of dedication
Pastor Josh Taylor leads in prayer for the parents, that they would raise their children according to the Scriptures with the support of Mt. Carmel.
Certificate and Bible
Each family comes forward to receive their child’s dedication certificate and their child’s Bible.
Back to your seats
Families return to their places and the service continues.
What comes after?
Dedication is a promise made for a child, not by one. When your child comes to faith for themselves, baptism is their own step. Our children’s ministry walks with families in between.