Our kids matter! As parents, it's our responsibility to help our kids grow in their faith...but it's a BIG responsibility! Child Dedication is a special service where parents make a commitment to help their kids find and follow Jesus and the Keystone MV Church family makes a commitment to stand with the parents and support them in this journey.
Ready to dedicate your child?
If you would like to dedicate your child (or children), simply fill out the form at the link below and you will be contacted shortly regarding the details of next steps. Need more info? Check our the FAQ and Why Dedicate sections below.
FAQ
Many Christian churches practice Baby/Child Dedication instead of infant Baptism. A Child Dedication is a special service in which believing parents, and sometimes entire families, make a commitment before the Lord to submit a child to God’s will and to raise that child according to God’s Word and God’s ways.
Child dedication is usually geared toward children birth-5 years. If your children are a little older, you may still want to dedicate your children. Just talk with us if this is the case.
At Keystone MV, we believe that water baptism is meant for a person who is old enough to believe in God and has the ability to publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ.
No. Although the Bible records a couple of baby/child dedications taking place (i.e. – I Samuel 1), it is not commanded by God in any way.
We welcome any Keystone MV family to dedicate their child with us, but we do require attendance at one of our Child Dedication classes. You can click the HERE to learn more.
No. We are thrilled to partner with your family in raising your children in a godly home. We will ask for a recent digital picture of your child and some basic information for the service.
We ask that only the parents and siblings stand up front, but we encourage you to bring family and close friends with you to share this moment with your family. Single parents can ask a close friend or family member to stand with them, if they choose.
The point of contact for child dedications at Keystone MV is Ally Paino. You can email her directly at apaino@keystonefellowship.com.
Why Dedicate?
At Keystone MV we dedicate our children to God because children are a gift from God.
“Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.” - Psalm 127:3
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” - Psalm 139:13,14
We're thankful for our kids! God has a purpose and a plan for each of His children.
“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” - Psalm 139:16
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10
“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.” - Jeremiah 29:11
We know it's up to us to point our kids towards Jesus! Jesus encouraged His disciples to bring the children to Him.
“People were bringing little children to have Him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And He took the children in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.” - Mark 10:13-16
We're asking for wisdom from God. Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God.
“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them...so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life... These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” - Deuteronomy 4:9, 6:2, 6-7
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done.” - Psalm 78:6
“Parents, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and in the instruction of the Lord.” - Ephesians 6:1-4
“He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” - Proverbs 14:26
We're committed to raising our kids to know Jesus personally, to love God wholeheartedly, and to walk out their lives as the Holy Spirit empowers and enables them.
As a result of our relationship with God, our homes will be characterized by the fruit of His Spirit, filled with “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." - Galatians 5:22
Practical ways to guide your children into a relationship with Christ:
- Continue to develop your own personal relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, Bible reading and obedience to God’s Word.
- Attend church regularly as a family. Here at Keystone MV we begin teaching children lessons from the Bible at age 2. Talk to your children about what they learned at church. Share with them what you learned as well.
- Develop Christian friendships with parents who can be mentors to guide you through the child-raising years. Community Groups are a great place to develop these friendships. If you are not currently a part of a community group but would like to be, please contact Pastor Rob, rsheely@keystonefellowship.com.
- Talk about your faith and read from God’s Word at home. Encourage your children to begin memorizing scripture as soon as they are able. Pray with and for your children daily.
Look for opportunities to develop your Christian parenting skills through books, podcasts, classes and community group opportunities.