Partnering with Parents
Our desire is to partner with parents in their efforts to equip children with an understanding of the truths of God's Word, the grace of the Gospel, and the character of God, so that they might worship the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Below are audio recordings from previous parenting classes at Four Oaks taught by our pastors, elders, and their wives.
Process for Child Dedication
Child dedications are a joyful yet solemn time for parents to publicly covenant with God to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. During a Sunday worship service, parents stand with their child before the church body and make commitments (along with the church members and leaders) to follow the Lord in discipling the child being dedicated. The dedication is done one family at a time to make it personal, meaningful, and convenient for family and friends coming from out of town. In order to dedicate your child, contact Pastor Scott to go over the dedication vows and plan the service.
Process for Baptism
Faithfully preparing a young person to follow the Lord in the obedience of baptism is an important responsibility entrusted to Christian parents and to the church. We believe that parents are responsible for instructing their children and overseeing their spiritual development. The church leadership is responsible to sustain and guard the ordinance of baptism and to faithfully 'shepherd the flock of God' (1 Peter 5:1-3). Therefore, it is fitting for parents and leaders of the church to work together in preparing young people for baptism. The following is a summary of the youth baptism preparation process.
Sign-up and Identify the Mentor: Youth interested in being baptized should contact Pastor Scott or Pastor Rob to sign up. Also, a mentor is assigned to help the child through the preparation process, with the mentor being the candidate's father if he is a believer and living in the home. If not, the candidate's mother, grandparent, or another mature believer may assume this responsibility.
Mentors' Orientation Meeting: This meeting is designed to help prepare mentors (preferably dads) for their significant role in leading a youth through the baptism preparation process. Spouses also are welcome but candidates should not attend this session. The orientation meeting usually takes place each January.
Mentor's Individual Sessions with Candidates: Mentors are encouraged to have at least five separate one-on-one sessions with the candidate to discuss 5 goals detailed in the baptism guide. During this time, mentors determine if the candidate is ready to be baptized.
Testimony Night for Mentors and Candidates: Mentors and candidates meet as a group with church leaders, where candidates share their testimonies and review the meaning of baptism. At the end of this night, each candidate is interviewed by a pastor to confirm a credible profession of faith and clear understanding of the meaning and significance of baptism.
Baptism: The church usually gathers by community around the pool or lake for worship and baptism.