Our Vision... to Win Souls and Make Disciples!
Win
Winning Souls is the last command of Jesus and should be our first priority! When Jesus saw the multitudes, He was deeply moved with compassion (Matt. 9:36). We want to be moved in the same way toward people all around us in our community who do not yet know Christ! This generation must be sought after and rescued! The very heart and will of God is seen in 2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Because of His love for all people we are commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations . . .” The River Church reaches out to our community through personal evangelism, community outreach and service projects, ministry in the cell groups, and through corporate worship services.
Connect
God created us to enjoy life-giving relationships with Him and others. Our desire is that people who come to Christ have a relational connection in the church where they are cared for and can grow in their faith. We believe that life change happens best when people within the church are in relationship to one another! Cell groups are that place where believers can be nurtured, challenged with accountability, and inspired to serve. Another aspect of connection at The River is participating in an Encounter Weekend, a short course in freedom. The Encounter addresses issues of personal bondage that would hinder a believer’s growth as a Christian, with the intent of helping people break through – by the power of the cross – into greater freedom in Christ.
Train
The word disciple means student and students need to be trained. The River Church has a path for training disciples through a course called Discovery. During Discovery the students will be trained in doctrine, character, and practical wisdom in godly family living. Value is placed in helping individuals discover their gifts and callings to best serve the local church.
Send
In Luke 10:2 Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” There is a great need for leaders who will invest their lives in training up other disciples of Christ – who will, in turn, train up yet others! When a believer in one of our cell groups is equipped and ready to lead others, opportunity is given for them to lead under the guidance of a mentor. This begins a life-long process of raising up other disciples and leaders for Jesus.