Parent Dedication

 WHAT IS PARENT DEDICATION? 

Parent Dedication is a special time to honor God and His blessings. This is a time set aside for parents to focus on the privilege of parenting a child’s heart. It’s a time when parents present themselves, their parenting, and their child to the Lord. Family and/or friends, as well as others from the church, surround them, and together they commit to raising their child under God’s guidance and love.  

Parents frequently ask us about the process of having their children baptized. We love that engaged parents are seeking what’s best for their kids physically, developmentally, and spiritually. However, we do not baptize infants at Westside. Essentially, we believe that baptism is the action a person takes after becoming a Christ Follower. We see this many times in scripture as people believed in Jesus Christ and were subsequently baptized. 

 PROCESS

We have made it simple to participate in Parent Dedication. 

First step: Register & Attend a Parent Dedication Dinner (this is required)

Next step: Invite family, friends, and anyone who will be an influence in your family’s life.

Last step: Attend an in-service celebration & recognition of your commitment.

We host Parent Dedication services each year to accommodate most schedules.

  • No. Technically the decision is a prayer of dedication for parents as well as the child. The service is for parents as well as for children. Usually, the child being dedicated is not yet old enough to fully understand what it means to follow Christ. However, if your child is old enough to understand, this would be a great opportunity to talk about what it means to follow Christ. If this is your case, let us know as we would love to support you.

  • Preparation for parent dedication is a very relaxed class. We sit parents together at tables where they can get to know other new parents or parents of young children. The class is designed to allow engaging discussion. Essentially, we take some time to explain what parent dedication is, and is not. We will also clearly explain what we believe the Bible says about parenting and what spiritual responsibilities parents have. Most importantly we share how Westside wants to partner with parents in order to equip and encourage them as they spiritually lead and train their children. Last of all, we cover all the details you’ll need to know about the parent dedication ceremony.