Connect Children & Families

Child Dedication

THE PROCESS

Overview

Our desire as a church is to partner with you, to be a resource for you as you lead your children into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe that the most influential aspect of your child’s discipleship will be your own spiritual formation into the likeness of Jesus, lived out within a community of believers. Children are not only shaped by what we say, but by the kind of people we are becoming in Christ.

For this reason, at Northside we are deeply committed to providing environments where parents themselves are being formed as disciples of Jesus. The three primary environments we offer for the ongoing growth of parents in community are:

  • Membership (including participation in congregational meetings and large-group formational opportunities).
  • Community Groups
  • Volunteer service on one of our ministry teams

These environments are formative spaces where you can grow spiritually, be supported by others, and be equipped as you disciple your child in everyday rhythms of life.

STEP 1:

We have created a resource, which includes three parenting messages designed to shape you as you begin, or continue, the journey of raising your child in the way of Jesus. These messages are not simply about techniques for parenting, but about the formation of parents themselves, because we believe that most influential aspect of your child’s discipleship will be your own growing life in Christ.

These early years are incredibly important, and taking time to listen and to reflect on these messages, whether on your own, with your spouse, or with others in your community, is an investment in your child’s future that is rooted in faith, grace, and intentional love.

MESSAGE 1: This message explores how parents are called to be the primary spiritual leaders of their children, guiding them toward a personal relationship with Jesus through everyday rhythms, prayer, example, and presence. It invites parents to consider how their own spiritual growth shapes the faith of their children.

MESSAGE 2: This message reflects on how loving, faithful relationships in the home shape a child’s emotional security and confidence. Where marriage is present, a healthy, Christ-centered marriage is a powerful gift to children; where it is not, God faithfully works through loving caregivers and the support of the church. Parents are encouraged to nurture relationships marked by grace, communication, shared values, and mutual support.

MESSAGE 3: This message invites parents to think long-term about the kind of person they hope their child will become as a follower of Jesus. It encourages intentional reflection on values, habits, and daily practices that shape a child’s life over time, reminding parents that consistent faithfulness matters more than occasional big moments.

To receive this resource please contact mattias@wearenorthside.com 

STEP 2:

Once you have completed STEP 1, please contact Mattias and we will give you the information you need to sign up for Child Dedication here at Northside. You will also attend a 30-minute orientation before one of our Sunday morning services, where we will introduce you to Northside Kids, our environment created especially for preschoolers. We will talk about the homework assignments from the talks in STEP 1 at this orientation.

STEP 3:

The GRAND FINALE! Actually, it's really just the beginning. Once you have completed STEPS 1 and 2, we would love for you and your family to participate with us in a time of DEDICATION.

Child Dedication is about a commitment to put God first in your home and to trust in him as your source of direction as you lead your family and parent your child. It is also a time for you and your spouse to share with your closest friends and family what is most important to you and to ask them for their prayer and support.

Our desire is that you will surround yourself with family and friends who will pray for you, support you, give you good advice, listen to your struggles, and when life gets tough, help you remember what matters most. We also hope that you will partner with us every weekend by encouraging your child to fully participate with us as we create environments to lead him or her to passionately follow Jesus Christ.

Upcoming Dates for Child Dedications:

April 26, 2026 (class - April 19)

June 14, 2026 (class - June 7)

Need to Know

[What you can expect at the dedication service]

  • A clear statement of the meaning and significance of Child Dedication is given
  • The designated pastor calls the parent and child forward and introduces them.
  • During the dedication, the pastor will introduce each child by name and speak a word on behalf of parents, reflecting hopes and values they hold for their child’s life. For some families, this may include the meaning of the child’s name; for others, it will express the kind of person they prayerfully long for their child to become as they grow in Christ.
  • The parents are asked “Do you acknowledge that this child ultimately belongs to God, and that you receive him/her as a gift entrusted to your care? And do you commit yourselves, in dependence on God’s grace and in partnership with this church, to nurture this child in the love and way of Jesus Christ?”
  • The congregation is asked “Will you receive this child as one entrusted to our shared care, and will you commit yourselves to walk with these parents, praying for them, supporting them, and lovingly holding them accountable, as together we seek the life of Christ for this child?”
  • The certificate of dedication is given to the parents.
  • The designated pastor will lead you in a prayer of dedication.
  • Feel free to have your family and friends take pictures during the dedication.

[Requirements]

  • Child Dedication is so much more than an event.  You must complete STEP 1 and STEP 2 before your Child Dedication Celebration registration is confirmed.
  • There is no time limit to completing STEP 1.
  • There is a maximum of 3 Child Dedications per service.
  • There are scheduled weekends for Child Dedication offered several times a year. (See upcoming dates)

[Encouragements]

  • Our desire as a church is to partner with you, to be a resource for you as you lead your children into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. In order to do this effectively we strongly encourage you as parents to become a member of our church, a member of a community group, or serve with us as a volunteer on one of our ministry teams. We feel like these criterions are important as a first step for you as parents to understand what we believe and for us to truly be able to partner with you in the spiritual development of your child.
  • We encourage you to participate in the Child Dedication Celebration before your child turns two years old. (However, we will dedicate children that are older).

This event is not infant baptism

This event is not infant baptism. Although there are different understandings of infant baptism, it is generally understood to represent a covenant between God and the parents and provide entrance or membership of the infant into the Church. While we understand and appreciate the intent of infant baptism, it is not a practice we follow at Northside. We believe that when people are old enough to understand what it means to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, they should have the opportunity to make that choice for themselves. This event is about your commitment as a parent to lead your child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, so that as he/she gets older, you are able to guide him/her and to help them understand what that means.