Parenting in the early stages isn’t easy, but with direction and intentionality, parents can begin to build a spiritual foundation that lasts. More than an event, Parent & Child Dedication connects parents to a community of faith and helps them imagine a bigger story.
In 1 Samuel 1:27-28, a godly woman named Hannah prayed for years for God to give her a child. He answered her prayers and she gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel. When Samuel was born, Hannah prayed these words: “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.”
Parent & Child Dedication is a time for parents, like Hannah, to commit themselves to raising their child God’s way. It’s a powerful time for parents to embrace the responsibility they’ve been given by God and to catch a vision of the impact they can make in their child’s life.
Our next Parent & Child Dedication Event
We invite families with children ages 0 – 4 years to participate in the dedication event on Sunday, February 18th, 2024.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What should I expect for Parent & Child Dedication?
Parent & Child Dedication is a small, intimate celebration lasting about a hour. During the celebration, parent(s) publicly commit to help their child develop a faith of their own and raise them in a home centered on Jesus. We’ll challenge you to make every week count because we are honored to partner with you on your journey as parents. We promise to be a consistent source of encouragement, strength, and resources as you raise your child to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. You can also expect a delicious lunch for your family and your guests during the celebration.
Do I need to be a member to dedicate my child?
You do not need to be a member of TCAT to dedicate your child. We do ask that families call TCAT home, because in dedicating your child to God, you are stating that you are willing to partner with God and the Church to help your child develop a faith of their own as they grow up. As your church family, we are here to partner with you and be FOR your family.
Can a single parent participate in the dedication service?
Yes! Parent & Child Dedication signifies the commitment of parents, including single parents, to do their best to raise their child to follow Jesus Christ. We encourage single parents to include any important people in their child’s life to be a part of the dedication. As a church, TCAT is FOR the family, no matter what that looks like.
Is Dedication the same as Baptism?
TCAT believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means. Rather than baptizing infants or children, we encourage a dedication ceremony, where parents seek God’s blessing for their child and publicly commit to raise him or her in a home centered on Jesus.
When is Parent & Child Dedication?
The next Parent & Child Dedication event is February 18th, 2024. We encourage you to invite friends and family to attend, so that they can join you in praying and celebrating this special time with you. You’ll need to let us know how many friends and family are planning to attend. If you are interested in participating in Parent & Child Dedication, please fill out this form.