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Spiritual Parenting

Our God-given role as parents is an endeavour to disciple and train our children in faith and the gospel of Jesus so our children can make disciples.

The church provides a context where parents are equipped and encouraged to train their children to be disciples and live their faith in a larger community, and through which believers are sent to make disciples of all nations. 

What is Parent and Child Dedication?

Parent and Child dedication is an opportunity for parents to dedicate themselves as well as their child to God. They publicly declare a commitment to raise their children according to God’s Word.  

Deuteronomy 6:4-7: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  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.”

Dedication of children is not an expression of faith on the child’s part in any way.  The Alliance in Canada upholds the Biblical truth that every person must personally turn of their own sin and make an individual profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for their salvation. A parent cannot do this for their children.

Romans 10:9, 10: “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.”

Are you ready to dedicate your child? 

  • Talk to our Lead Pastor or Family Pastor

  • Arrangements will be made to sit down with you and answer any questions you have.

  • At least one parent must be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ and is striving to live a life that glorifies God in every aspect of their life.

  • At least one parent must be a regular attender of Lawson Heights Alliance Church.

  • Is there anything in your life, 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?

Part of a Sunday morning service will be designated to explain the ceremony to the congregation and lead you in confirming your commitment through your affirmation of the following:

  • Do you dedicate your child with freedom to grow up to love and serve Him?

  • Will you pray for and with your child teaching about Jesus and the truth of the Bible as God’s Word?

  • Will you model biblical values through personal godliness, providing a living example of a Christ-centered life?

  • Will you involve your child in the life of the church, doing everything you can to provide opportunity for a personal relationship 
    with Jesus as Saviour and Lord?

The pastor will then pray for you and your child. As your church family, we bless and support you in your commitment to establish a godly home where the Bible is the foundation, the Father’s love is present, Christ is at the center and the Holy Spirit resides.

The public ceremony of dedicating a child to God is a direct response to the Scriptures that teach:

  • A child is a gift from God.

  • Parents are “stewards” of this gift, raising children according to God’s plan.

  • As the Church is a spiritual family, where we encourage and support one another.  

  • To separate oneself and one’s family from participation in the Church is detrimental to one’s parenting ability.

  • Parents need God’s help to raise, guide and protect children.

  • A child’s spiritual life is vitally important.

  • Parents are to be God’s representatives in their children’s lives.

  • We need to follow the teaching of God’s Word, the Bible.

  • God blesses those who honor God. This blessing is not just for themselves, but for their children and their children’s children (Deuteronomy 5:9-10)