Church Resources
Affirmation and Commitment Ceremony
We are gathered here today for a very special occasion—the celebration of life and a gift that makes for the creation and union of two families. We gather to affirm the commitments of (name of birthparent/s) and (names of adoptive parents) to the parenting of (name of adoptive child) born on (date of birth).
We are here to celebrate God’s answer to (name of birthparent/s) prayers that He provide a loving home for her/his son/daughter where she/he could always be a part of his/her life and the decisions he/she chooses in life.
We are here to celebrate the answer to the prayers of (names of adoptive parents) that they be a part of God’s plan to be (name of adoptive child) parents—to provide for him/her; to raise him/her in a loving, Christian home; to nurture and acknowledge the importance of (name of adoptive child) relationship with his/her birthparent/s; and to be a part of God’s plan to bring two families together for the purpose of raising (name of adoptive child) into adulthood.
We must be humble before the magnitude of this event. We acknowledge that God’s plans for our lives are not always our plans—that God works in mysterious ways. God’s plan for (name of adoptive child) life has been revealed in the relationship and commitment that (names of birthparent/s and adoptive parents) share.
I Samuel 1:27-28 NIV
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.
Jeremiah 29:9-11-14a NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.
(Name of birthparent/s), you welcomed your son/daughter into the world. We celebrate and affirm your loving role in his/her life today. In your loving plan, you have chosen (names of adoptive parents) to be (name of adoptive child) parents. You are creating a new family. May God bless you.
(Name of birthparent/s), at this time do you acknowledge your wish for (name of adoptive child) to be placed with (names of adoptive parents) and acknowledge them as (name of adoptive child) parents?
“I/we do.”
(Name of birthparent/s), do you acknowledge your continued commitment to support (names of adoptive parents) as they provide for (name of adoptive child)…to visit and to be involved in (name of adoptive child) life?
“I/we do.”
Song: From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours
Today we are here to affirm the permanency and creation of a new family. (Names of adoptive parents), will you promise to love and care for (name of adoptive child), to bring him/her up in the Christian faith, and to protect and guide him/her?
“We do.”
(Names of adoptive parents), do you acknowledge your commitment to (names of birthparent/s) and affirm her/his relationship and love for (name of adoptive child)?
“We do.”
Optional
(Name of adoptive child), your birthparent/s, (name of birthparent/s), along with (names of adoptive parents), through prayer and guidance have made a plan for you to live with (names of adoptive parents) and for them to love and guide you.
“I, (name of adoptive child), want to live with mom and dad (names of adoptive parents).”
(Names of adoptive parents), do you take (name of adoptive child) to be your son/daughter?
“We do.”
(Name of adoptive child), do you take (names of adoptive parents) to be your parents?
“I do.”
With joy, we greet you as the son/daughter of (names of adoptive parents), with whom you now form one family.
God gave us big hearts, ones that can share love with many at one time. You share a special closeness to your birthparent/s. Do you wish to continue to visit with her/them and to continue to share your life with her/them?
“I do.”