At Living Hope Church, we believe children are a precious gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3; 1 Corinthians 4:7). Scripture consistently teaches that parents are called to be the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives (Deuteronomy 6:4–7; Psalm 78:5–8; Ephesians 6:4). Parents are entrusted with the responsibility to teach their children the gospel and to model a life shaped by faith in Jesus Christ.
Because of this conviction, Living Hope Church practices Parent Commissioning.
Because of this conviction, Living Hope Church practices Parent Commissioning.
What is Parent Commissioning?
Parent Commissioning is a public moment in the life of the church where parents make both a promise and a plea.
Parents publicly promise to raise their children to know and love Jesus—committing to teach them the gospel and to point them toward Christ through word and example. At the same time, parents acknowledge their insufficiency for this task and call upon God’s grace, blessing, and power to sustain them.
In response, the church body also makes a promise. We commit to coming alongside parents in prayer, care, and support. As a congregation, we affirm that children are precious image-bearers of God and that we share responsibility for their spiritual formation. Scripture warns us not to hinder the faith of children (Luke 17:1–4; Mark 9:42; 2 Corinthians 6:3), but instead to welcome them and lead them toward Christ (Matthew 19:14).
Parents publicly promise to raise their children to know and love Jesus—committing to teach them the gospel and to point them toward Christ through word and example. At the same time, parents acknowledge their insufficiency for this task and call upon God’s grace, blessing, and power to sustain them.
In response, the church body also makes a promise. We commit to coming alongside parents in prayer, care, and support. As a congregation, we affirm that children are precious image-bearers of God and that we share responsibility for their spiritual formation. Scripture warns us not to hinder the faith of children (Luke 17:1–4; Mark 9:42; 2 Corinthians 6:3), but instead to welcome them and lead them toward Christ (Matthew 19:14).
Why Not “Dedication”?
You may notice that Parent Commissioning sounds similar to what is often called a baby dedication. This change in language is intentional. It more accurately reflects what we believe and practice as a church.
Biblically, dedication often refers to specific acts—such as Hannah dedicating Samuel to lifelong service in the temple, or Samson being set apart as a Nazirite from birth. Parent Commissioning, however, does not dedicate a child to a particular calling. Rather, it commissions parents to faithfully carry out the responsibility God has already given them.
This language also clarifies what Parent Commissioning is not. It is not infant baptism. We believe baptism is a public declaration of personal faith in Christ—identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection—symbolized by immersion in water (Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3–6). For this reason, we wait until a child can articulate a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ before baptism.
Biblically, dedication often refers to specific acts—such as Hannah dedicating Samuel to lifelong service in the temple, or Samson being set apart as a Nazirite from birth. Parent Commissioning, however, does not dedicate a child to a particular calling. Rather, it commissions parents to faithfully carry out the responsibility God has already given them.
This language also clarifies what Parent Commissioning is not. It is not infant baptism. We believe baptism is a public declaration of personal faith in Christ—identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection—symbolized by immersion in water (Acts 2:41; Romans 6:3–6). For this reason, we wait until a child can articulate a credible profession of faith in Jesus Christ before baptism.
Good Friday - April 18
Service Times: 9:15 AM & 11:00 AM
Kids Ministry Available: Nursery & Preschool
Service Length: 1 hour
Kids Ministry Available: Nursery & Preschool
Service Length: 1 hour
What is the Good Friday service like?
Our Good Friday service is a reflective, 1-hour time of remembering the death of Jesus. We’ll sing, take communion together, and hear a short message focused on the cross and what it means for us.
Is there Kids Ministry?
Yes! Nursery and preschool care is available during both services. Older children will remain in the service with their families as we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. To help them engage, we’ll have crayons and activity pages available at the doors as you enter.
Register your toddlers and Infants ahead of time here!
Register your toddlers and Infants ahead of time here!
Easter Sunday – April 20
Service Times: 9:15 AM & 11:00 AM
Kids Programs: Full Sunday School (Nursery – Grade 5)
Service Length: 75 minutes
Kids Programs: Full Sunday School (Nursery – Grade 5)
Service Length: 75 minutes
What’s the Easter Sunday service like?
It’s a joyful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection! The service includes worship with a live choir, baptisms, a Gospel-centred message, and communion. Children stay with their families for the beginning of the service and are dismissed to their Sunday School classes before the message.
Is it going to be busy?
Yes! Easter Sunday is one of our most attended services of the year. We recommend arriving 15–20 minutes early to find parking and a seat. Our greeters will help you find your way.
Is there Sunday School for my kids?
Absolutely! Our full Sunday School program runs during both services for children from Nursery through Grade 5. We use a secure check-in system and have amazing volunteers who are ready to welcome your kids.
Register your Kids ahead of time here!
Register your Kids ahead of time here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parent Commissioning like Infant Baptism?
No. Parent Commissioning is not infant baptism. At Living Hope, we believe baptism is a public declaration of personal faith in Jesus Christ and is for those who can personally profess faith in Him.
Does Parent Commissioning guarantee that a child will follow Jesus?
No. Parent Commissioning is a meaningful commitment, but it does not guarantee a child’s future faith. Each child must personally come to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Parent Commissioning is one way parents express their desire to faithfully point their children to Him.
Who can participate in Parent Commissioning?
Parent Commissioning is for parents who profess faith in Jesus Christ and who desire to raise their children in a way that points them to Him. Because this is a spiritual commitment, we ask that parents participating demonstrate a clear commitment to following Christ in their own lives.
Why do you wait until families have been attending for at least 6 months?
We ask families to wait until they have been attending Living Hope for at least six months because Parent Commissioning is rooted in the life of the local church. This helps ensure that families are meaningfully connected, known, and supported as they commit to raising their children in the faith.
What happens during a Parent Commissioning?
During the service, parents make public commitments related to raising their children in the faith, and the church prays for them and commits to supporting them. It is a joyful and meaningful moment for both the family and the church.
How do we sign up for a Parent Commissioning?
Parent Commissioning begins with attending one of our Parent Commissioning classes, which we offer every six months. You can register for the next class through our calendar of events. After attending the class, you will be able to choose a Sunday for your Parent Commissioning.