Milestone 1 - Parent-Child Dedication (our timeline)

 

Last week I wrote a bit about Parent-Child Dedication and promised to add some information about our process.  Here's the timeline we follow, over the next few days I will add more information about some of the things referenced here.  One of the most meaningful is the covenant that parents write...I'll post the template we give to parents, along with a couple of samples.

I would absolutely love to hear about how you make this event in the lives of families in your church more meaningful!

Dedication Timeline

8-10 weeks before dedication Sunday:

Publicize dedication dates in several places:

            Bulletin

            Website

            Kids communication                  

6-8 weeks before dedication Sunday:

Mail dedication packets to all who are interested - this may actually be done at any time.

Begin scheduling pre-dedication meetings with parents and Kid’s Directors (campus or global)

3-6 weeks before dedication Sunday:

Campus or Global Director will meet individually with parents who desire to dedicate their children.

During this meeting we will cover:

Biblical precedents for parent-child dedication

Parent’s role in their child’s spiritual growth

Spiritual Mentor’s role in the child’s life

Church’s role in the spiritual development of their child

Some hints for writing the family covenant

Details of the parent-child dedication process and service

10 days - 3 weeks before dedication Sunday:

Parents write family covenant and send copy to Kids Ministry office at least 10 days previous to dedication

Family picture settings to be available at least 2 weeks prior to dedication Sunday (prefer at least 2 time/date options)

Dedication Sunday:

            30 minutes prior to service:

                        Private prayer of dedication with parents and family (church leaders to assist)

                        Certificate, framed family covenant and photo to be given to parents

            10 minutes before the service:

                        Parents, Children and guests in Worship Area (designated seating)

            During service:

Parents, child and mentors will come up on stage at end of communion

Pastor will briefly introduce each one (child’s name and parents first name, asking them to  

step forward)

Pastor will talk about the purpose of the day, mostly directed at the parents

We will do vows/response from parents as a group

Will do final vow with congregation (standing) and spiritual mentors, then offer a prayer.

Will ask people to encourage the families with applause as they leave the stage, congregation will be seated

Parent/Child Dedication

Our next Parent/Child Dedication at Suncrest is on Father's Day!
One of the really terrific parts of our process is that I get to meet with each parent who wishes to dedicate their child.  I love this part of my job!

• One of our Campus Kid's Directors and I sit down and listen to each parent's faith story. Wow! this is amazing!  We get to hear about all that God has done in the lives of these parents of little people...love it!

•  I get to talk about how we want to partner with them, to be the "other voice" helping their kid learn to love Jesus.  I get to tell them about how excited our leaders are to participate in this milestone in the life of their family. Love this too!

• Every family who dedicates a child will write a covenant - a promise to their child and to God.  This serves as a tangible reminder of this day and the commitment they are making.  Can't wait to read them...we have some amazing parents who are very passionate about loving Jesus and loving their kids.  Love this one, too!

Tomorrow I get to meet with three more families and two Campus Kid's Directors...expecting a great day!

For those of you who are in kids ministry, I will be posting the details of our process later this week. Hope you find it helpful.