PARENT COMMISSIONING

We believe that “Parent Commissioning” better reflects what we believe theologically about what we’re doing practically. Even a traditional dedication is more an action of the parents than it is that of the children. Here, we are commissioning parents to go to the most important mission field in their lives, which is in their own home and among their own family. Parents are being challenged to raise their children in the ways of the Lord and teach them what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, even as the church family comes alongside the parents in this God-given endeavour.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Matthew 28:16-20; Romans 1:11-12; Romans 15:2; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25.

A public step like Parent Commissioning does not save children nor does it guarantee salvation for the child at any time in the future. Salvation is the free gift of God given to anyone who by faith trusts in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and turns away from their sin. Salvation is the work of God in a person’s life which leads them to make a personal choice to follow Jesus. On the other hand, Parent Commissioning is the response of parents who already know Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord, and who are now committing to give their children ample opportunity through their life to hear the gospel of Christ and to trust in him. Therefore, all parents who participate in our parent commissioning services must have demonstrated a clear commitment to follow Christ in their own lives.

John 3:3, 16; 6:37; Romans 3:23-24; 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:1-10.

Parent Commissioning is not infant baptism. We do not practice infant baptism at Mission City because we believe baptism is an individual choice of obedience to Jesus Christ as a reflection of a person’s previous commitment to follow him. In baptism, a believer publicly identifies themselves with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through the symbolic act of being immersed in water. As noted already, the commissioning of parents is much more an act of the parents than it is of the children. Therefore, our goal is to shepherd parents in their pursuit of raising their children for the glory of God which, Lord willing, will one day include the parents helping their children to understand what baptism is and why it is important.

Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:38; 16:31-33; 22:16; Romans 6:1-4.

Like most things in the Christian life, we believe the commissioning of parents to raise their children for the glory of God is not something we can do all by ourselves. In his sovereign grace, God has placed us in this local body of Christ to serve and to be served, to help and to be helped. As parents, you will need help along the way, and though it your primary responsibility to raise your children in the ways of the Lord, it is also healthy to have other mature Christian voices speaking into your children’s lives at different times. Therefore, we want you to be sure that Mission City will be your church home where you and your family can know the benefits of being part of a healthy church family.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Parent Commissioning services are periodically scheduled to take place during our weekend worship gatherings. Watch for more information on the next Parent Commissioning opportunity.

The pastor leading the commissioning will begin with a brief explanation about what we’re doing. Once the parents and children are introduced and welcomed onto the stage, the parents are given a brief biblical charge, the church family is invited to commit to pray for and support the family, and then the pastor will pray over each family.

Please fill in our:  PARENT COMMISSIONING APPLICATION