Parent Commissioning

&

Child Dedication

At Hope Bible Church Kelowna, we commission parents to publicly dedicate their children to the Lord.

  1. Parents are acknowledging their child as a gift from God (Psalm 127: 3-5).
     

  2. Parents are publicly declaring their intention to raise their child in such a way that they are given an opportunity to know God and to establish a personal relationship with Christ (Deuteronomy 6:49, Ephesians 6:4).
     

  3. Parents are affirming their total dependence upon the Lord (John 15:5).
     

  4. Parents are asking family, friends and the church community to prayerfully support and hold them accountable to these commitments (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Steps for Parent Commission & Child Dedication

  1. Commissioned parent(s) attend and successfully complete a Step 1 & Step 2 Classes.
     

  2. Commissioned parent(s) have been attending Hope Bible Church Kelowna regularly for at least six months.
     

  3. Commissioned parent(s) have successfully filled out and handed in the Child Dedication Application Form.
     

  4. Commissioned parent(s) attend the scheduled Child Dedication service and have their child(dren) dedicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does child dedication relate to salvation?

Dedicating a child does not impart salvation to the child. Salvation is the free gift of God given to someone who by faith trusts in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and turns from their sin.



Is child dedication like infant baptism?

Child dedication is also not baptism. Baptism is for believers – those who have already by faith trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins – to publicly identify themselves with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the symbolic act of being immersed in water.



When does the dedication service happen?

We conduct child dedication services on Sunday mornings during the beginning of our Worship Services.



How is the ceremony formatted?

The dedication ceremony contains a brief introduction about Child dedication, a personal introduction and prayer over each child being dedicated. After the dedication is finished, the Worship Service continues on.