Vision
Broken people restored, underdogs rising from the dust to become more than conquerors in Christ
Mission: To supplant hopelessness and harvest the kingdom of God
Healing Waters
In John 7:38, Jesus says that people who believe in him will have rivers of living water flowing out of them. This helps us understand Ezekiel’s description of how the Spirit flows from God to and though his people. Our church shares the same vision as God for the church, where we first witness the river of living water flow out of the temple in Ezekiel 47:1-12.
Key takeaways for envisioning our fruitfulness:
- The Bible explains that we are the temple of God (cross ref. 1 Cor 3:16).
- The Spirit of God flows through us to heal the brokenhearted and bring genuine transformation to the underdog (cross ref. Mt 15:23-28).
- We witness the power of God as we go deeper in our relationship with God and people.
- We sustain good attendance with faithful people planted on either side of the aisle.
- The anointing of God flows throughout our ministries to edify, empower and uplift the people who we touch.
- Lost souls who encounter the Spirit of God are receptive and responsive to evangelism.
- God’s presence conditions us to bear all twelve fruit of the Spirit in our lives. (cross ref. Rev 22:2)
Ezekiel uses pictures to explain how God’s power can heal, restore and create opportunities for growth and success. Our church also has a clear vision for helping people grow spiritually. We mix inspiring talks and lessons with practical training, coaching and resources to give people a comprehensive and positive experience. It’s extremely difficult to make real differences in people’s lives without the delivery of training, coaching and resources. Measuring progress and not just activities is critical to making a lasting impact. (Definition: teaching vs. training)
We aim to find a balance between how we do things and what we achieve. Being process-driven means we focus on the steps to reach a goal efficiently. But being results-oriented means we also focus on reaching the desired outcome without being married to tradition. We stay open to change to better serve people, even if it means doing things differently from how they were done in the past. Our main goal is to honor God and promote forgiveness, joy and satisfaction in our lives.
Overall, our vision is a message of hope and healing, a promise that God’s living water brings abundance to all who receive it. We envision broken people renewed, households restored, families flourishing like a garden, and underdogs rising from the dust to become more than conquerors in Christ.
Please take a moment to read the first twelve verses of Ezekiel 47, where you identify as the Son of Man and central character. As the vision unfolds, God profoundly asks, “Have you seen this?” That’s because the revelation is for you. You feel me? You didn’t just land on this webpage by chance. God is speaking to you today. Whether it’s rhetorical or an open invitation for you to reflect on what he is illuminating in your heart, the question is a divine call to action. Brother or sister, if you have seen this then catch the wave and run with it.
Pathways to transformation:
River of Life Church
Our founding pastor has over 10 years of experience as an ordained minister. Our church itself is a brand new startup.
Preaching
1 Weekly Sunday Service
Teaching
Mid-week Bible Study;
Mid-Year Conferences
Training
Frequent biblical and practical
hands-on instruction;
Free to members
Coaching
1-on-1 & Group sessions;
For spiritual, personal & professional growth
Resources
Fellowship with local experts who have a desire and commitment to serve
Typical Church
A typical small church contains 25 – 200 members, while churches having 200 – 350 might be called mid-size. The median size is 75 members.
Preaching
1 Weekly Sunday Service
Teaching
Mid-week Bible Study;
Mid-Year Conferences
Training
Annual district and jurisdictional conventions, convocations & workshops
Coaching
Typically not formally offered
Resources
Fellowship with local experts that are willing to serve if leadership approves
Mega Church
By definition, a church needs to sustain an average weekly attendance of 2,000 or more members in its worship services to be classified as mega.
Preaching
1, 2 or 3 Weekly Sunday Services
Teaching
Mid-week Bible Study;
Mid-Year
Conferences
Training
Annual Conventions & Convocations;
Paid Workshops;
Bible Institute
Coaching
Typically only available to Leadership;
Not for personal development
Resources
Large archive of sermons;
Bookstore;
Renown but pricey national preachers
Let the Holy Spirit inspire and guide your life, as you mature in faith and bring glory to God. Imagine yourself being used mightily by God. Can you picture yourself living a joyful and balanced life, where you also inspire and empower the people around you. Trees growing beside the river represent a church full of people who are deeply rooted and equally established in life. The leaves on the trees are the pages of a book, and in this case, they symbolize the infallible pages of the Bible that never wither or fail. We are fruitful because we are Spirit-filled. The great catch of fish represents the work of the Holy Spirit working through you in spreading the Gospel. And for your faithfulness, God says, “Well done.”
Next Step
Go deeper in the Spirit with:
- Yolanda Adams
- Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music
- Elevation Worship & Maverick City
- Elevation Worship & Maverick City (featuring Chandler Moore)
- The Lion King – Circle of Life (German)
- The Lion King – Circle of Life (German Musical Version)