Family Dedication
We are excited that you are interested in dedicating your child to the Lord. The purpose of Family Dedication is for parents to present their child before God and the church, committing to seek after His grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities.
No one will have more influence on your child than you! We believe that what happens at home is more important than what happens at church. It is our hope that we can partner with you from the very beginning. We want to be your biggest fans, your strongest supporters, and your trusted guides as you raise your child to know what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
We believe Psalm 127:3, which says “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.”
This is more than a dedication on stage. Family Dedication is a time for us to celebrate and thank God for the gift of your children. It’s also a time for you, as parents, to commit to model what following Jesus looks like and to raise your children to understand that they are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, to believe that the Bible is absolute Truth, and to know the importance of committing to a community of faith through the local church.
The next Family Dedication is Sunday, May 11, 2025.
*Please note Family Dedication is only open to church members. In order to become a church member, check out Growth Track.
Here are 4 Steps to Take for Family Dedication
Step 1: Register
Register for the Family Dedication on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11. Deadline to register is May 4.
Step 2: Parent Preparation
As part of the process to participate in Family Dedication, we have intentionally compiled two short parenting messages that we feel will help you start right now, at the beginning, to do things that will truly matter most to you and your child in the future.
After you register your child, watch these 2 short parenting videos and print out the homework card. We realize that your time is extremely valuable. We would not ask you to view these videos if we did not feel they would be time well spent. Please listen to these videos prior to the Family Dedication.
Step 3: Church Dedication
It is time to celebrate!
Here's what the dedication day will look like:
• 9:00 AM - Reception for your family in the Fellowship Hall. Your family will enjoy refreshments, receive a gift for your child, and gather with family and friends.
• 9:30 AM - The worship service will start. Your family and friends can head to the reserved seating at the front of the Worship Center. (We will keep you and your child behind-the-scenes until it's time to go out on stage).
• 9:40 AM - We will walk over to the Worship Center for the Dedication. You will be called on stage with your child for the dedication. The Pastor will say a few words and then pray for your child.
Step 4: Commitment at Home
Family 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. During the dedication service, parents commit before God, their family, and the church to raise their child in a God-honoring way. We also ask the church to commit to partnering with these parents to do the same.
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 Sunday by encouraging your child to fully participate with us as we create environments to lead him or her to have authentic faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Family Dedication cost?
There is no cost to participate.
What do I need to do between now and the day of the celebration?
Invite your friends and family with the button below! You will also need to watch two short videos in preparation for the event. These videos contain homework challenges to be shared with your friends on celebration day (not on stage).
What should we wear?
Whatever you and your little one will feel most comfortable in! Some people dress casually in jeans, while others wear more dressy attire. Just keep in mind that you'll be on stage, higher than the audience's eye level, so make sure you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear.
Can a single parent participate?
Yes! Family dedication signifies the commitment of parents, including single parents, to do their best to raise their child to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We encourage single parents to include any important figures in their child’s life to be a part of the dedication. As a church, Fort Caroline is committed to supporting single parents in providing a Christian foundation for their child’s upbringing.
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. This event is an opportunity for you as parents to publicly declare that you want to raise your child to develop their own relationship with Jesus Christ.
Will there be a photographer?
We will have a photography vignette set up for family photos. Feel free to bring your own phone or camera. We will provide a staff member or volunteer to take your pictures.
I have out of town family that can't make it. Will it be live-streamed?
Yes! Our 9:30 AM service is live-streamed on both Facebook and YouTube. Your out of town family and friends can watch there.
What can I expect on the day of the celebration?
The Dedication will be held on a Sunday during the 9:30 AM worship hour. You and your family and friends are invited to attend a reception in the Fellowship Hall for refreshments. Door open at 9:00 AM. At 9:40 AM, a host will escort you to the Worship Center. There will be reserved seating at the front for your friends and family. You will be called on stage with your child for the dedication. The Pastor will say a few words and then pray for your child.