river's mission and vision.
At River of Life, our mission is to help people experience lasting life change by knowing and following Jesus. We are called to be more than a gathering. We are a spiritual family, each member on a unique and courageous journey of faith but together. Our vision is to cultivate a growing community where people of all ages are regularly connecting in vibrant groups with each person bravely taking their next step in their walk with Christ. We see children, students, families, and singles rooted in relationship and growing together experiencing profound transformation both now and for eternity.
​Founded in 2004, River of Life has been shaped by a legacy of faith, resilience, and growth. Our journey began with a vision to create a welcoming, accessible church home, and over the years, our congregation has experienced moments of significant transformation: the merging of two churches, the transition to new pastoral leadership, and the fulfillment of our 2020 Vision. We have raised up internal pastors and leaders, sent out members to help plant a church in Albany, and generously supported other congregations—including giving $65,000 to help a new church secure their first building. Our story is marked by God’s faithfulness and His using ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
X marks the spot.
where we've been
The NEXT initiative is a bold step forward in our shared journey of faith. It is an invitation for everyone who is a part of River of Life to discern and take the next step God is calling them to— whether that means embracing Jesus for the first time, growing deeper in grace, or stepping out in obedience, generosity, and service. This is our focus – helping each person focus and identify where God is leading them next in their own faith journey. As we walk this path together, we also recognize our church collectively will need to take its own next step by making room for the growth and transformation God is bringing.
Through the NEXT initiative, we hope to add two medium-sized building additions, repair and repave our two parking lots, and reconfigure our interior space to better accommodate children, youth, and adult activities. Some of these building changes may happen later on but we’re hoping the majority can happen within the next 3 years. To help accomplish this, we’ve set a financial goal of $400,000 as a part of NEXT.
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These building changes will increase our capacity for worship and children’s ministry by 20%, create a shared youth room, and provide a welcoming lobby for guests—a first impression that reflects Christ’s own hospitality. A new community room will offer space for training, discipleship, and outreach, while improved access and amenities will help ensure every person feels valued, including children and youth. These enhancements will enable us to serve more families, nurture future leaders, and create a space where our church and community can experience authentic belonging.
The Next Initiative
join us in this journey.
We invite you to join us in this defining moment. Your commitment to NEXT is more than a practical spiritual commitment or financial gift on your part—it is a step of faith, a declaration that you are joining what God is doing in and through your life as well as our church. Together, we each can take our own NEXT growth step. Together, we can grow, serve others, engage more people with the gospel and make room for the next person, the next family, the next generation to encounter Jesus and experience profound life change for themselves. Will you prayerfully consider the next step(s) God is asking you to take? Will you be willing to sacrifice your time and finances to experience the changes God wants to bring? Let’s step forward together—trusting God, building His church, and shaping the future for those yet to come.