Child dedication is the public opportunity for parents to dedicate their child to the Lord, promising before the congregation to bring up their child in the Christian faith. It is also the time for the church family to pledge its support of the parents through prayer and encouragement as they bring the child to church and raise him or her to know, love, and serve the Lord.

Child dedication doesn't replace Believer's Baptism (where an individual publicly acknowledges his/her decision to follow Jesus). We believe that neither infant baptism nor dedication affect a child's salvation; rather, child dedication is a commitment that parents make to God, declaring they will do their best to raise the child to love and follow Him.

If you are interested in dedicating your child at Oakwood, we ask that you first attend our Waypoint "Spiritual Legacy."  For more information about this Waypoint or Child Dedication, please contact Ashley Schmidt, the Interim Kids Ministry Director.

To register your family for a child dedication ceremony, please complete the child dedication form. 

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As you walk with your children on their faith journey, this is a great place to start. Read through our guide for talking with your child about Jesus. Complete with Scripture, explanations and discussion questions, this guide will serve as a tool and memento for you. Email our church office if you'd like a printed copy. 

Get the "Following Jesus" Guide

What is baptism? 

Baptism is an ordinance or special ceremony that Jesus gave His followers to do. In baptism, we go under the water (immersion) in the baptism tank or lake. It is a picture or symbol of our loving and believing in Jesus. By being baptized we are identifying with Jesus, His message, and His people.

Who should be baptized?

Anyone who has trusted Jesus as their Savior and wants to live for Him should be baptized. They should be able to explain what baptism means and why they want to do it. They should also be able to tell how they trusted in Jesus. 

We encourage families to participate in the Basics Waypoint as part of the process of preparing for Believer's Baptism. 

For more information about baptism for children, email the church office. 

Read More About Baptism

Your son or daughter is speeding through each phase of life quickly and, if you're not intentional, it will be easy for you to miss moments. The Family Life team is here for you each step of the way! 

Phase Day is designed to encourage, equip, empower and energize the entire family. During Phase Day, parents/grandparents/guardians and their children will experience phase-specific "Waypoints" during which you can discuss biblical truths together through activities, prayer, Scripture and more. Oakwood hosts Phase Day once each year. Stay tuned to our events calendar for the next Phase Day.

Shift is all about intentionally energizing families whose children will be entering a new phase of development. Shifts occur as a child enters 1st, 6th and 9th grades. Shift is designed to continue the partnership between you as parents and the church by celebrating parenting, highlighting changes your child will be experiencing and looking ahead to the next phase of ministry for your family. Stay tuned to our events calendar for the next Shift event.