We'll pray for your child by name.
Child Dedication is a morning when you stand with your child in front of God and this church, and ask Him to do what no parent can do on their own.
You are not promising to be perfect. You are asking for help, out loud, in front of people who intend to give it.
You will not be guessing.
Before the Gathering
Someone from our NextGen Team meets you, tells you where to stand and when, and stays with you. Nothing about the morning is a surprise.
During the Gathering
You and your family are called up with your child. A pastor prays over your family, and over your child, by name.
After
You go home with a certificate carrying your child's name, and a book to read with them.
Three things, and none of them is perfection.
A relationship with Jesus of your own
This is the one that matters. You cannot hand your child something you do not have yourself.
A church to raise them in
Be here. Membership is not required, but we do ask that you call Mountain West home, because a dedication is a promise the church makes too.
A life they can watch
Children learn what they see. We are asking you to live in a way your child can follow, and we are asking to help you do it.
The things parents actually ask.
Do we have to be members?
No. We do ask that you call Mountain West home, because we are promising to walk with your family and that is hard to do from a distance.
I am a single parent. Is this for us?
Yes. Come up with whoever stands with you and your child. Grandparents, a sister, a friend who has been there. Bring them.
How is this different from baptism?
Baptism is for a person who has decided to follow Jesus themselves, and they make that decision for themselves. Dedication is the parents' promise, made before their child is old enough to make their own. It does not save your child and it is not a sacrament. It is you asking God for help and this church agreeing to help.
What if our child will not cooperate?
Then your child will be a child in front of a room full of people who have raised children. Nobody here is expecting anything else.
You do not have to parent alone.
Whether your child is three weeks old or three years old, there is a morning here for your family. Add your name to the list and we will take it from there.
Questions about Child Dedication? Email Emmanuel at [email protected] or call (770) 491-0228.