Child Dedication
Child Dedication Questions & Answers
What is it?
Child Dedication is an opportunity for parents to publicly give thanks to God for their children and, together with the congregation, commit themselves to faithfully raise their children in the fear, knowledge, and joy of the Lord.
Why Child Dedication?
The dedication of children is an act of faith in the presence of God and his people in which we solemnly and earnestly offer our children up to God for his wise and sovereign purposes in their lives. As parents, we offer ourselves as well, surrendering to the holy responsibility of being biblical parents and raising our children in the fear, knowledge, and joy of the Lord.
In presenting your child for dedication at Blackhawk Ministries, you are prioritizing the spiritual well being of your child and you are expressing your intention to lead him/her in the ways of Jesus Christ. In doing this, your child also becomes a special responsibility of the body of believers that is the church. It is our responsibility to receive your child into the care of this church and acknowledge our partnership in leading him/her to faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Are there any requirements for dedicating my child?
Christian parents who call Blackhawk Ministries their church home are welcome to dedicate their children. To help prepare for the dedication service, we ask parents to attend our Foundations of Parenting Class. During this class, parents explore the meaning of dedication, the promises they will make, and the commitment of the church to join with parents in children’s discipleship.
At what age can my child be dedicated?
There is no age requirement for dedication, but many parents choose to dedicate their children within the first year or two of life. However, it is not uncommon for older children to be dedicated. Our staff is happy to discuss this with you if you have questions or need further clarification.
What should I expect at a Child Dedication Service?
Child dedications occur two times a year, during Sunday morning 10:45AM service.
Parents line up across the stage with their children while the presiding pastor gives a brief introduction to the congregation.
Parents will then respond to the dedication promises. These are provided at the Foundations of Child Dedication class.
Parents are introduced while slides with pictures and verse chosen will be displayed.
After the last child is dedicated, friends and family are invited to gather around the families as a pastor concludes the service with a prayer of dedication
Foundations of Child Dedication Class
Our child dedication services include the public commitment to five solemn parental promises. Given the significance of these promises, we are eager to for parents to have an opportunity to carefully consider their implications before making them. To this end, it is required that all dedicating parents to attend a Foundations of Child Dedication class prior to dedication. If you are unable to attend, the dedication date will be rescheduled.
The class takes place Monday evenings from 6 pm until 7:30 pm, approximately one week before the child dedication service.
Child Dedication Registration
Foundations of Child Dedication Class Registration
Registration Deadline: August 10, 2023
Foundations of Child Dedication Class: August 21, 2023, 6-7:30 pm
Child Dedication Service: August 27, 2023, 10:45 am
Blackhawk Ministries Spring Child Dedication Service will tentatively be held on March 10, 2024. Registration will open on January 7, 2024.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Leah Hilton (Kids Director) at [email protected]
