ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING ASPECTS OF PASTORING is when I have had the privilege of dedicating children to the Lord on behalf of their parents. I say rewarding because it is a happy time—a time of celebration and faith—the parent’s belief and expectation that this ritual will bear fruit in the years to come.
Another reason it is a highlight of ministry is because no ever seems to raise objections or criticisms. After all, who is going to be against blessing children? You can’t imagine how personally satisfying it is to watch the reaction of parents and other family members as a precious child is presented to the Lord. The Lord’s presence is always so real in those moments.
Some years ago, as part of the ritual, I began presenting a letter to the parents that is addressed to the child. It is a personal letter from me and is to be opened and presented to the child’s 10th birthday. I speak of the event, its meaning and the sincere hope that the child will one day act upon the faith of their parents.
One such event occurred 1in 1998, in Gas City, Indiana. I had the joy of dedicating a little girl (one year old) to God. A few days ago, I received an email and phone message from that girl (now 11 years old). She asked me two questions: (1) What does it mean to be a real Christian? And (2) What does “dedication” really mean?
I was blown away! To hear from someone like this was unexpected and at the same time, extremely gratifying. What a blessing!
At that age most children are open and inquisitive to spiritual issues. I was delighted to hear from her and to have the opportunity to address these inquiries, which I believe came from a tender and seeking heart.
I pray that it will help her to better understand what REAL Christianity is all about—a relationship with a God who loves her more than she will ever fully comprehend, and that He has a wonderful plan and purpose for her life.
By the way, that question is one that every person needs to have answered at some point in their life. Only those with the child-like attitudes of openness and a sense of need will ever have it answered.
And it is the responsibility of every pastor and believer, for that matter to be ready and willing to give an answer to those who are seeking.
Another reason it is a highlight of ministry is because no ever seems to raise objections or criticisms. After all, who is going to be against blessing children? You can’t imagine how personally satisfying it is to watch the reaction of parents and other family members as a precious child is presented to the Lord. The Lord’s presence is always so real in those moments.
Some years ago, as part of the ritual, I began presenting a letter to the parents that is addressed to the child. It is a personal letter from me and is to be opened and presented to the child’s 10th birthday. I speak of the event, its meaning and the sincere hope that the child will one day act upon the faith of their parents.
One such event occurred 1in 1998, in Gas City, Indiana. I had the joy of dedicating a little girl (one year old) to God. A few days ago, I received an email and phone message from that girl (now 11 years old). She asked me two questions: (1) What does it mean to be a real Christian? And (2) What does “dedication” really mean?
I was blown away! To hear from someone like this was unexpected and at the same time, extremely gratifying. What a blessing!
At that age most children are open and inquisitive to spiritual issues. I was delighted to hear from her and to have the opportunity to address these inquiries, which I believe came from a tender and seeking heart.
I pray that it will help her to better understand what REAL Christianity is all about—a relationship with a God who loves her more than she will ever fully comprehend, and that He has a wonderful plan and purpose for her life.
By the way, that question is one that every person needs to have answered at some point in their life. Only those with the child-like attitudes of openness and a sense of need will ever have it answered.
And it is the responsibility of every pastor and believer, for that matter to be ready and willing to give an answer to those who are seeking.
posted by kazookid | 12:26 PM
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