Child Dedications/Parenting Class

We believe God is a God of purpose. The family was the first institution created by God between a man and a woman. Parent/Baby Dedication is when we give back to God what belongs to Him (1 Samuel 1:27-28). We believe, according to God’s Word, that God’s plan for marriage is for a man and a woman to leave and cleave and become one flesh in a covenant 6relationship (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). This marriage relationship then opens the door to fellowship and intimacy and produces a Godly seed (Malachi 2:15). This seed, your child, depends totally upon the mother and father to sustain its life. The Dedication Ceremony is a decision made by the parents or parent of the child and not by the child itself. This ceremony is not a substitute for the child’s ultimate personal responsibility before God. In no way does this ceremony guarantee salvation or serve as a substitute for the personal need for children to accept Christ as Lord when they are aware enough to understand the gospel. The Dedication Ceremony is a commitment by the parents or parent to train and teach their child Biblical principles, to trust in God, and be thankful for this blessing. Therefore, we dedicate the child/children of married couples (man and woman) and the child/children of a single parent who is committed to God in the development of the child and will be obedient to His Word and the following covenant:

• I/We will make Jesus Christ the Foundation of our home (1 Corinthians 3:11).

• I/We will keep the Passion for God before us always (Deuteronomy 5:29).

• I/We will fight for the Authority of God before our Family (Nehemiah 4:14). • I/We will place trust in God’s Grace for life (Galatians 2:20).

• I/We will love my family Unconditionally as God loves us (Ephesians 5:25).

With your commitment we also, as your church family, commit to continue to believe in God’s design for your family, and we will pray that you will continually look to Jesus Christ for strength, wisdom, and the life only He brings. If you are in agreement with these statements, please click here to print out the application for Parent/Child Dedication. However, if your situation is different, and at this time you do not meet these guidelines according to God’s Word, we would love to have the opportunity to help bring you into a closer relationship with God, so that you may be able to dedicate your family to Him.

Required Parenting Course:

The first four sessions of the Parenting Class outlined below is a prerequisite to the Dedication Ceremony process. This class is a recent development in our ministry to families. If you have participated in a Dedication Ceremony in the past but have not attended the class, it is necessary for you to attend. A Dedication Ceremony Orientation meeting following the first four sessions of the Parenting Class will help finalize your Family/Child Dedication preparation process.

Class Title: Effective Parenting in a Defective World

Class Materials: Effective Parenting . . . Study Guide available in the Rockpile Class

Schedule:

• Session 1: How to Raise Positive Kids in a Negative World

• Session 2: Building Relationships that Bond

• Session 3: How to Develop Your Child’s Full Potential

• Session 4: God’s Process for Teaching Obedience

• Dedication Ceremony Orientation

• Session 5: How to Discipline Your Child Effectively

• Session 6: Punishment verse Discipline

• Session 7: Words that Discipline

• Session 8: Five Smooth Stones

• Session 9: When All Else Fails

The next class begins Sunday September 14, 2008. All classes are from 5-6:30pm in the library on the north end of the second floor at the church. Since the class is at the same time as the 5pm service, Pebbles (children's ministry) is available for your children. Registration is required, click the button below to register.

Desire More Information?

If you have any questions regarding the Dedication Ceremony or would like to make an appointment for counseling regarding this Ceremony, please contact Cari Blanchard at: 619.764.5118 or cari.blanchard@therocksandiego.org

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