Holding A Child Commitment Service

Research indicates 7 to 10 year old children experience a spiritual awakening. Some churches consider children of this age too young to be admitted to church membership. However, there are many parents, teachers and ministers who are concerned that we are giving negative responses to children who genuinely want to give their hearts to Jesus in a public way.

It is for this reason the Children's Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has developed the concept of a commitment ceremony for children.

If you are interested in holding a commitment ceremony for children, email Julie Weslake for more information.

> A Child's Mind
> Preparing a Child
> The Ceremony
> Additional Information

Children younger than seven years old cannot understand abstract concepts and find it difficult to distinguish between fact and fantasy. A whole new world opens up to these children as they begin school and form close friendships apart from family members. Children of this age are eager and excitable because they find themselves full of so many new skills. Their concept of God becomes much more personal at this age and they want to be a part of their church community.

1. Do not push the child - there is no merit in comparing your child to another and feeling pressure that they too need to make a public commitment.
   
   
2. It does not mean that a child is not spiritual because they have not requested to make a public commitment.
   
   
3. It may be through a family worship time at home, or school worship, or during a Bible study class, or even a church service that the Holy Spirit will convict them.
   
   
4. There does not need to be anything formal about the preparation for a child at this age to make Jesus their friend - the details of church doctrine can be taught later.
   
   
5. Children simply need to understand the basics of the Gospel:
   • God loves me
   • I am forgiven from the mistakes I make because Jesus took my punishment (do not dwell on the death of Christ - rather celebrate the new life we have through Him)
   • Being a son or daughter of God is very special
     
     
6. You may want to discuss in more specific terms what it means to be a Christian, by focusing on our love response to God's requests.
   
   
7. Help children find meaning in Bible facts as they relate to events in their own lives.

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The Ceremony

Introduce the child and their faith friend in front of the congregation. 

• Include the child in all the preparations for the ceremony
• Help the child choose a faith friend, after explaining what role this person will play in their lives
• Confer with parents, faith friend, child and pastor as to the best time for this special occasion
• Pre-sign the commitment card

It is suggested that the ceremony be only 8 to 10 minutes during the main services (a similar length of time as a baby dedication).

The following is a suggested format, but it should be adapted to suit the congregation.

1. Song: allow the child to choose a song that is meaningful to them. It does not have to be a song from the hymnal, but may be a song they have sung during Sabbath School (children's Bible study time).
   
   
2. Introduction: the child should be introduced by either the pastor or faith friend to the congregation (it should be done by someone who knows the child well). Give a short history of when, where, and what prompted the decision. The focus of your remarks should be about the child.
   
   
3. Commitment: the child should read or recite the commitment to the congregation. For example: "Because I know that God loves me, I choose to live my life as one of His children. Because Jesus covered my mistakes with His love, I want to please Him through the way I live."
   
   
4. Introduction of Faith Friend: the pastor should explain the role of the faith friend. For example: "Having a friend to support you can mean the difference between success and failure. A faith friend is someone who will encourage you in all aspects of your life - but most importantly, on your spiritual walk with God." The faith friend should recite their commitment to the child. For example: "As your faith friend, I promise to support and care for you. Like you I may make mistakes, but I know that God forgives me. I want you to know you can come and talk to me at any time. I want to be your friend."
   
   
5. Congregation Response: it's good to get the rest of the congregation involved. For example: "There are many other people here who I know would have been willing to be your faith friend. Would those of you in the congregation who would like to be a "friend" to _____ please stand. Those who may be willing to encourage and support him/her with love. Those who want to make a commitment to be positive and not criticise or condemn, but be a friend. Please stand now."
   
   
6. Prayer: by the pastor.
   
   
7. Shake Hands: shake hands over the commitment card.

The following additional information can be requested from the Children's Ministries Department in the South Pacific by email.

• Questions for your pastor and church
• Tips for elders, pastors and church leaders on relating to children
• Guidelines for faith friends
• How to encourage
• A Child's Ten Commandments to parents
• Commitment Certificates