In this introductory child dedication podcast, Pastor Jonathan casts vision for what parent dedication is and isn’t. He clearly defines dedication not as salvation or baptism, but a commitment by parents to steward their children’s spiritual growth in partnership with the church. Jonathan emphasizes the biblical responsibility of parents to train up children in the faith. He explains the difference between believers baptism and infant baptism. This podcast offers guidance on the meaning of dedication, and sets the stage for accompanying episodes focused on helping children know, become like, and follow Jesus’ example. Parents are equipped with clarity and tools to begin the dedication journey with confidence.

In this episode, Kim Crawford spotlights how Jesus modeled serving others, commanding his followers to also love God and neighbor. With young kids, serving requires sacrifice but teaches them to think beyond themselves as they witness adults putting others first. Children can help with age-appropriate tasks building a lifestyle of service. Ideas like making extras to share and secretly blessing others weekly develop a servant’s heart. This episode inspires parents to pray about building family habits of humility and compassion, following Jesus’ example of laying down selfishness to meet others’ needs.

In this child dedication podcast, Pastor Jonathan unpacks the process from 2 Corinthians of being transformed into Christ's image, emphasizing it's not restricted by age but requires our cooperation. He spotlights how Joseph and Mary set an obedient example for Jesus, who grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. Jonathan clarifies it's the parent's responsibility to model Christlikeness and steward moments guiding kids' hearts, while ultimately, it's God's job to sanctify them. Children learn more from imitating than from instruction. So, he urges parents to prioritize personal spiritual growth for kids to witness. When behavior issues arise, the focus shifts to winning the child’s heart, discerning the lies believed rather than demanding compliance. As kids become more like Jesus, the right actions follow. This episode offers a vision for partnering with God’s work in children’s hearts through modeling and gracious conversations, trusting the Spirit’s transforming power.

Allen strongly urges parents to model living in God's presence daily, beyond just devotional times. He shares how his family prays consistently with and over the children, teaching them to expect God to speak through scripture. Worship is modeled as a vital battle cry. When crisis exposes real character, a lifestyle with Jesus enables parents to model His responses. Allen simply seeks after God, organically sowing kingdom principles into kids' lives and transforming how they do relationships. He gives recent examples of hearing God prompt small gestures to connect with his college daughter.