This is a commitment as a parent to lead your child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We want to be your biggest fans, your strongest supporters, and your trusted guides as you raise your child to walk with Christ.
Child Dedication is an important first step for you as parents. We encourage parents to invest in their own relationship with Jesus by joining a community group and/or by serving with us as a volunteer on one of our ministry teams.
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. An infant or preschooler is not able to fully understand sin, forgiveness, the sacrifice our Savior made for us, and what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This event is not infant baptism, rather, it is about your commitment as a parent to lead your child into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, so that as they get older, you are able to guide them and to help them understand what that means.
Listen to these 3 audio clips and talk about them together with your spouse. We would like for you to listen to each message, talk about it as a family, and complete the homework, which you will share at the dedication.
MESSAGE 1: Listen to Message
MESSAGE 2: Listen to Message
MESSAGE 3: Listen to Message
This is an opportunity for you to be intentional at the very beginning of this new life, to begin with the end in mind. What do you hope they know and never forget?
This is not a guarantee that you will raise perfect children, but a promise that time will pass and you will be looking into the eyes of adults some day. What will you wish you had said or done from the very beginning to give them all of the tools they needed?
Watch this video!
Please join us for the Child Dedication celebration in the Spring.
Complete this form to participate in Child Dedication on May 10, 2025. Space is limited for Child Dedication and registration will close once we reach capacity or on April 27, 2025 (whichever comes first).
Please note the registration form will ask for 3-5 candid pictures.
Next, stop by Sonshine Island, our Preschool environment, to pick up your orientation packet! If you are new to Sonshine Island, please stop by NextGen Guest Services desk and someone will connect you with a leader for a tour of our environment and your packet.
Do you have questions? We’d love to talk with you!
Leslie Horton, NextGen Lead Kids Director | Strawbridge Campus
Jamie Robinson, NextGen Preschool Director | Lynnhaven Campus
Mark Gabele, NextGen Kids Director | Norfolk Campus