We are happy you are considering dedicating your child at River Valley Church. We currently dedicate children at several times a year.
First, we want to make sure that all parents who are having a child dedicated understand and have the opportunity to ask any questions regarding why we do child dedication instead of an infant baptism. To help answer some of the frequently asked questions, please see the frequently asked questions below. If you have further questions, please let us know and we’ll be happy to connect further.
If this is something you are in agreement with and wish to sign up to have your child dedicated, please complete this registration process and we will contact you with more information to confirm your service time.
Service times for Child Dedications are currently on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions regarding Child Dedications. For any further questions, please contact Katy Baringer at Katy.baringer@rivervalley.org or (612) 226-2047.
What is the belief of River Valley Church concerning infant baptism and child dedication?
Following Scripture as our guide, everyone (adult and child) who recognizes their need of a Savior then repents and believes in Christ should be baptized (Acts 2:38, 41; 8:36-38).
In the Bible, there is no record of infants or very young children being baptized. We believe this is because they are not yet able to understand their need for salvation.
Undoubtedly, God places a high priority on children! When asked who is the greatest in the Kingdom of God, Jesus responded, “Unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, NLT)
In Luke 2, the parents of Jesus take Him to the temple “to present Him to the Lord.” (Luke 2:22 Later, the Gospels tell us that little children and infants were brought to Jesus for Him to bless them (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). In following this practice, we encourage parents to publicly dedicate their children to the Lord. In dedicating their child, the parents acknowledge the child as a gift from God and vow, before Him and those present, to set a godly example for the child and commit to lead the child to Christ at an early age.
As a child matures and recognizes their need for Salvation, we encourage baptism as a public act of obedience to Scripture and following the example of Jesus Christ.
What should I wear?
River Valley Church is very casual! Feel free to wear jeans and a t-shirt, or whatever you feel most comfortable in. Parents of the dedicated children usually dress up a little more because they will be on the stage during the dedication.
What is the service like?
The service will be a regular River Valley Church weekend service. We begin with music in a time of worship. After a brief welcome the child dedication will take place. A few families will come up on stage. The pastors ask the parents questions about their dedication, pray with them and present them with flowers that represent their lives and roles in their child’s life. Then they will ask the church to pray with the families and commit to help them raise the children being dedicated. After the dedication, the pastor will do a teaching and dismiss the congregation. The entire service lasts about an hour. River Valley Church is associated with the Assemblies of God denomination.
Is there childcare?
We would love for you to bring your kids! They will usually have more fun in the children’s area. When you walk in the front door, head towards the River Valley Kids Family Registration Desk. Tell them you are a visitor and the volunteers will gather some information in the event they need to get a hold of you during the service. You will receive an identification number and the volunteers will direct you to where you can drop your kids off. If your child has a need during the service, your number will appear in the lower portion of the screen to call you back to the children’s area.
