[On Screen]
He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded the fathers to teach to their children,
so the next generation would know them,
even the children not yet born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their hope in God
and would not forget his works
but keep his commandments.
—Psalm 78:5-7
This is an amazing passage. In this text, God makes parents responsible for passing on their faith. He commands moms and dads to remember His words and works and then to teach them to their kids. According to God’s word, the primary context for your child learning about faith is not in our children’s ministry on Sundays. It is in your home, in your car as you drive along the road, at your child’s bedside, and at the breakfast table. It happens in those planned moments when you pull out a Bible storybook. And it happens in those unplanned moments when your child has sinned or is heartbroken and you correct or comfort your child as a Christian corrects or comforts. Passing on our faith can’t just be done in one hour each week, it involves passing on our lives.
And while it is clear that we are responsible for passing on our faith, it is also clear that God doesn’t give this responsibility to moms and dads in isolation. He gives his law and testimonies in the context of a believing community. Training children is a community project, because we need help. We need one another’s encouragement, one another’s accountability, and one another’s eyes to see what we can’t see. We need one another’s help, and we need God’s help. He is the one who opens the womb and gives life. He is the one who controls the way our children grow up and develop. And He is the only one who can change their hearts and save them from sin. If we are going to pass on our faith, we need God’s help.
Parents, when I call your names, please come forward, stand here at the front and face out toward the gathering.
[Pictures and baby names on screen - Parent names are called along with children they are dedicating ]
Parents’ Commitment: [On screen]
Parents, will you commit to trust God’s promises made to you and your children in His Word?
Will you commit to seek God, and seek gospel change in the way you live and parent your children?
Will you commit to discipline your children and show them grace?
Will you commit to teach God’s Word to them and live out the gospel in your home?
Will you commit to pray for them and teach them to pray?
Will you commit to partner with this church community, seek their help and accountability, and lead your children to do the same?
[Not on screen] If so, say, “With God’s help, we will.” [Parents respond]
Community’s Commitment: Sojourn, every one of us is responsible for these children. If you are a member of Sojourn, please stand with me and pledge your commitment to these parents. Parents, look around you. You are not alone. This is your community of faith.
[On screen] Sojourn, will you commit to seek God and seek gospel change in the way you live before these children?
Will you commit to pray for these children—that they will grow to love Jesus and trust in Him?
Will you commit to teach them the gospel through both your words and your example?
Will you commit to partner with these parents—holding them accountable and confronting their sin?
Will you commit to pray for them and encourage them as they face the trials of parenting?
[Not on screen] If so, please read the following:
[On Screen]
With joy and thanksgiving,
As Christ’s church,
With God’s help,
We promise to love, encourage, and support you
As you follow Christ and train your children in the faith.
[ Close with prayer ]
As used on October 18th, 2009 by Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, KY
{ 1 trackback }
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Very helpful! An appropriate mix of parental and communal responsibility and care; I will be using this during our next baby dedication. Thanks!