Parent Commitment and Child Dedication

The Child Dedication Service is a parent commitment service. The service is viewed as a promise between you and the church to raise your child in a godly way. We dedicate children up to the age of 7. Dedications are held two times a year with a limited number of families per service.

We are planning on holding our next Parent Commitment and Child Dedication Service in the spring of 2022. If you are interested in being part of a future service, click on the tab to fill out an inquiry.

Questions?

Contact Dawn Sterner at 717-755-0089 x 131
I would like to dedicate my child

Please review the questions below to see if this service is right for you.

  • Do I have to be a member of the church to dedicate my child?

    No, you do not need to be a member of the church to dedicate your child but you are required to attend Living Word for at least 4 months according to our database.

  • Are there any requirements for participating in a child dedication ceremony?

    Yes.
    You are required to attend a child dedication class.
    You must attend Living Word for a minimum of 4 months.

  • I’m not married, can I dedicate my child?

    A parent who is single is welcome to present their children to the Lord alone, provided they are committed to raising the child in a Christian home environment. Because child dedication involves making a commitment as a family to follow the Lord, parents co-habitating outside of marriage would be unable to make this vow or participate in the ceremony. If you would like further information, please contact Cass Delp.

  • How old does my child have to be to participate in a child dedication ceremony?

    We dedicate children birth to 7 years of age.

  • When are child dedication ceremonies offered?

    We hold child dedication ceremonies 4 times a year.  We typically have one in the winter, spring, summer and fall.  Ceremonies take place at 4:00 pm in the Life Center.

  • Is this an infant baptism?

    No.  We believe that a child must be old enough to understand what it means to put their faith in Jesus Christ before they can be baptized.

  • What kind of commitment am I making?

    You are committing to providing a loving Christian home, living out the Good News of Christ’s love and grace, attending church regularly, praying faithfully and parenting your child purposefully with Christian values in a manner that honors Christ.

  • What is Child Dedication?

    A Child Dedication service is an opportunity for parents to publicly declare their intent to raise their child in a way that honors God.