I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the Truth. 3 John 1:14 NIV
Parent +
Child Dedication
Parent & Child Dedication is a meaningful journey that culminates in a special celebration where parents dedicate their child to God in the presence of the church. Through a simple guided class, parents are encouraged and equipped with practical and biblical principles for raising their children.
As part of this commitment, parents pledge to lead their children toward a relationship with Jesus, teach them to trust God's Word as truth, and help them grow strong in the life of a healthy local church.
What is Parent & Child Dedication
After completing Next Steps and becoming a member of Vision Church parents attend a class at their campus designed to help them lead their families well. With encouragement from our campus team, parents learn how Vision Church comes alongside them to help their children walk in the truth.
Preparing for Dedications
Class: Sunday 30th August 12:30pm
Dedication: Sunday 6th September - Both Campuses
Class: Sunday May 2nd 12:30pm
Dedication: Sunday May 9th May - Both Campuses
Upcoming Classes & Dedication Sundays
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Yes. Parent + Child Dedication is designed for families who call Vision Church home and are committed to being planted in this church community. Because dedication is a public commitment to partner with God and the church in raising your child to walk in truth, parents are asked to complete Next Steps. This allows us to truly walk alongside your family, support you, and invest in your child's spiritual foundation together.
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No. Dedication and baptism are not the same. We believe baptism is a personal decision made by an individual who has chosen to follow Jesus and understands what that decision means. Parent + Child Dedication is not a sacrament, and it does not impart salvation or grace to a child. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Instead of baptising infants or children, we practice dedication, where parents present their child before God and the church and publicly commit to raising them according to Scripture, trusting God with their child’s life and future.
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100% yes.
Parent + Child Dedication reflects a parent’s commitment to raise their child to know and follow Jesus, including single parents. We also encourage you to include meaningful spiritual influences in your child’s life, such as family members, mentors, or close friends, to stand with you during the dedication. As a church family, Vision is committed to supporting and walking alongside single parents with encouragement, care, and community.
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You’ll attend a guided class led by your Campus Pastor and a Vision Kids member designed to encourage and equip you as a parent.
During the class, you can expect:
Biblical teaching on raising children to know and follow Jesus
Practical encouragement for leading your family in faith
Clear understanding of the Parent + Child Dedication journey
Connection with other parents in the same season of life
A welcoming, community-focused environment
This class isn’t just informational, it’s relational, encouraging, and foundational. It’s a space to learn, grow, and build community as you step into this commitment together.
Childcare is provided during the class
Parents Commitment
Because parents play the most significant role in shaping their children's faith, dedication begins with the following commitments:
Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Regularly attend Vision weekend services and follow Christ in their lives
Agree with Vision Church beliefs and values, as outlined here
Complete Next Steps and become a member of Vision Church
Commit to leading in faith and conduct, including living a life of sexual purity according to God's standards.
School
References:
To have a Vision Pastoral Reference for Manawatu Christian schools families must:
Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Regularly attend Vision weekend services and follow Christ in their lives
Agree with Vision Church beliefs and values, as outlined | Here
Complete Next Steps and become a member of Vision Church | Register Here
Commit to leading in faith and conduct, including living a life of sexual purity according to God's standards.