What is Family Dedication?

Family Dedication happens as a special part of the main gathering when parents/guardians choose to say that they will commit to love and guide their children towards a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is not infant baptism. Those desiring to participate in Family Dedication must attend one required prerequisite class, attend one picture session, and fill out an application. We offer Family Dedication once a year at all of our gatherings and campuses. The next Family Dedication is November 13/14th. Registration will be available starting October 9/10th at the atrium booth.

Some commonly ask questions:

1. How do I participate in Family Dedication? Registration will be available in the atrium booths on the weekends of October 9/10th, 16/17th and 23/24th on all campuses. The deadline to register is October 24th at the booth. You will register your child through an application process, choose one required prerequisite class date/time, a picture time date/time, and a gathering to dedicate your child in.

2. Does my child have to be an infant to dedicate them? No, any age child may be dedicated.

3. Are there different options for time/date of the prerequisite class? The class choices are: Nov 2nd or 9th 630-730pm at the Manheim Campus or November 7th 9am-10am at Harrisburg or City Campus.

4. If I have dedicated another child in my family, do I need to attend another prerequisite class? No, you do not. However, we do require you to register for one picture date/time slot.

5. Is kidVenture Island open during the prerequisite class? On the Manheim Campus, there is no childcare available and kidVenture Island is closed during the class because it is Tuesday night. On the Harrisburg and City Campus, kidVenture Island is open because it is a Sunday.

6. Do both parents need to attend the prerequisite class? Yes, both parents/guardians need to attend the entire class and one picture session. Of course, if you are a single parent and dedicating your child yourself, you only need to attend.

7. When is the picture sessions? On the Manheim Campus, there will be picture session time slots during regular gatherings on Oct 30th and 31st. On the Harrisburg and City Campus, picture session time slots will be during the 9am gathering on October 31st.

8. Do the father and mother need to be married to dedicate their child? Yes, we believe that raising a child to follow Jesus Christ starts with our own relationship with Him. The Bible is clear about marriage being a sacred union between a man and a woman. In order to step out to dedicate your child to the church, you need to be making the right decisions in your life. Again, if you are a single parent, you may dedicate your child.

9. Does my child have to wear anything special? Your child may wear whatever you would like them to wear. Remember that the auditorium can sometimes be chilly for babies.

10. Does Family Dedication insure salvation for my child? We believe that each individual must make a personal choice to follow Christ. Dedication is a commitment time before God and the church family where you, as parents, will commit to live Godly lives and to raise your children in a Godly home with the hope that one day they will accept Jesus as their Forever Friend and Savior.

11. Beyond Family Dedication, what can I do to create a Godly home? Pray for and with your child. Find a child's Bible and read it together. Talk about God in your everyday life. Live your faith out loud. Make church a consistent part of your family's life. Do devotions together. Serve others.