In River Kids Early Childhood, 1-year-olds-Kindergarteners will play, explore, and discover God’s love in fun, age-appropriate ways. Each week includes Bible stories, crafts, music, and free play—all designed to help kids know that God made them, God loves them, and Jesus wants to be their friend forever. We want every child to begin learning that the Bible is true, unchanging and written just for them.

We love partnering with parents to help little ones take their first steps in faith. Because every location and community is unique, our Early Childhood age groupings are customized at each campus to best serve kids and families.

In River Kids Elementary, 1st-6th graders have a blast learning about God while making friends who love Jesus too! Each week, students hear Bible stories and do activities that help them understand the message and see how it connects to their own lives. They’ll also learn important Biblical truths—like the Bible is true and unchanging, everything in it really happened, and it’s written just for them—and grow in generosity as they put God’s love into action.

Every month we focus on a memory verse and give kids tools to dive deeper into God’s Word. We also encourage families to connect at home using our NextGen Family Devotions app, which can be found in Family Resources, so learning about God continues all week long!

Our Infant Nursery is a cozy, loving place where newborns through 12-month-olds can feel safe, cared for, and loved. Every baby receives 1:1 care from our dedicated team, so you can feel confident your little one is in good hands. Available only at our Clinton location.

Q: What if my child needs me while they are in River Kids?

A: Glad you asked! We provide families with students in Kindergarten and under with a buzzer that has a correlating number that we put on your child’s Check-In sticker. If your student needs something, we will page your buzzer number and you will get to swoop in to save the day!

Q: How do I know River Kids is a safe and secure environment?

A: Each of our Dream Team members who use their gifts in River Kids are background-checked and trained to work with children in this environment. Additionally, we have a safety team that ensures our River Kids spaces are locked and secure during service.

Q: What will my child learn about the Bible?

A: In addition to weekly stories that come from the Bible, we teach River Kids 3 Core Truths about the Bible.

1. The Bible is true and unchanging.

2. Everything in the Bible actually happened.

3. The Bible is for THEM!

Q: What if my question is not answered in this FAQ?

A: We’re sorry we didn’t cover something you are still curious about. Please send your question via the button below, so our NextGen team can get back to you directly.

What is Baby/Child Dedication?

A baby/child dedication is a special ceremony where believing parents—and sometimes entire families—commit before the Lord to submit a child to God’s will and raise them according to His Word and ways. It’s an act of worship, thanksgiving, trust, and commitment, giving back to God the gift He has entrusted to you.

Responsibilities of Dedication

By dedicating a child, parents promise to do everything within their power to raise them in a godly way until the child is old enough to make a personal decision to follow Christ. Responsibilities include:

• Teaching and training the child in God’s Word
• Demonstrating an example of godliness
• Praying faithfully for the child
• Dedication in Scripture

Hannah brought her son Samuel to Eli the priest to dedicate him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:24–28).

Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple for His dedication (Luke 2:22).

Commonly Asked Questions

Is Dedication the Same as Infant Baptism or Christening?

No. Baby/child dedication is different. At River Church, we believe baptism comes after a personal decision to follow Christ. Dedication is a way to commit children to the Lord and trust Him with their future.

What is River Church’s Belief on the Eternal Security of Children?

We believe children are deeply loved by God and, until they reach an age of understanding (sometimes called the age of accountability), they have a place in His kingdom. Should a child pass away before being able to personally respond to Christ, we believe they inherit eternal life in heaven.

When and Where is Dedication?

Dedications are available upon request and can take place at any of our weekend services.

Can Single Parents Dedicate a Child?

Absolutely!

Who Should We Invite? Do We Need “God Parents”?

Invite family, friends, or your life group to celebrate with you—there’s no limit. While we don’t use the term God parents at River Church, you are welcome to choose people who will support and encourage you in raising your child.

Do I Need to Be a Member of River Church?

No, but we do ask that you are a regular attendee and have a desire to raise your child in a Christ-centered home.

Next Steps

✨ Ready to dedicate your child? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!