Thank you for taking a moment to find out what Riverwoods believes. As you scroll down you will find our purpose, vision, core values, doctrinal statements and philosophies of ministry.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To reach and make passionate followers of Jesus who live intentional lives of Hope, Service, and Generosity.

VISION STATEMENT

Riverwoods is a model in reaching, making and mentoring passionate followers of Jesus into a global mission force.

 

CORE VALUES

 

Power of Relationships â€“ We know real life change takes place best through relationships. We will foster an environment to establish grow, deepen and protect relationships, especially the family. The most significant relationship we can have is a person relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ.
Potential in People â€“God created every person with tremendous potential. People find fulfillment and a reason to live when they discover God’s purpose for their life. Riverwoods knows every person is unique; we will help people understand how God has S.H.A.P.E.D. them and discover His purpose for their life, releasing their tremendous potential.
Possibility of Dreams – We believe the desires of our heart come from God. Riverwoods will create an atmosphere that inspires, challenges, teaches and motivates people to fulfill the dreams God places in their heart.
Priority of Prayer â€“ To pray is always the first step. Prayer is essential for the church and individual to hear and know God’s will. Prayer releases the power and resources of God. Without praying, you have what man can accomplish, but through prayer, one realizes the activity of God. Prayer is vital to authentic worship.
Participation in Missions â€“ We will aggressively seek opportunities to involve our people in missions through prayer, financial support and personal involvement. We are committed to sponsoring, parenting and partnering with churches, church planters and missionary efforts, locally, nationally and globally.

 

 

DOCTRINAL STATEMENTS

What Riverwoods Believes

 

In essential beliefs â€” we have unity.
“There is one Body and one Spirit…there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of us all…” Eph. 4:4-6
In non-essential beliefs â€” we have liberty.
“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters… Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls… So then each of us will give an account of himself to God… So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” Romans 14:1,4,12,22
In all our beliefs â€” we show charity.
“…If I hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but also the very secrets of God, and if I have the faith that can move mountains — but have no love, I amount to nothing at all.” 1 Cor. 13:2 (Ph)

 

 

THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE

About God

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. 

Genesis 1:1,26,27, 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14

About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. 

Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14,15; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; Romans 1:3,4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14,15; Titus 2:13

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily. 

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16,17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. 

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105,160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

About Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life. 

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. 

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:17

About Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in that salvation for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security. 

John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

About Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. 

John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1 Cor. 2:7-9

 

PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

Relevant practical worship and teaching designed to inspire Real Hope for Real People in the Real World. 

Integrity by paid staff, volunteer leaders, and the church is to be maintained in all areas, especially in the matters of character, morality, finances, and approach to the scriptures. 

Vision driven ministry. We are committed to fulfilling the vision God has given to Riverwoods never being satisfied to maintain the status quo. 

Excellence in every ministry. We will not start any ministry until the people and resources are in place to perform it with a level of excellence. People deserve our best and God expects it. 

Relationships are special gifts from God. Riverwoods believes relationships are tools God uses to develop us into passionate followers of Christ. We encourage people to build relationships with seekers and Christ followers. 

Worship is primary. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that encourages true authentic worship of a Holy God. 

Outreach will be symmetrical, innovative and creative using every means possible to touch and connect with people. 

Organize intentionally to promote the growth of people, the church and the kingdom of God. 

Determined we will touch the world through a steadfast commitment to missions locally, nationally and globally. 

Small Groups are essential. Small Groups are the best place for relationships, ministry (care), maturity (discipleship) and multiplication (growth) to occur.