“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people.”
EPHESIANS 1:17–18

We can not live life alone. Life change best happens in the context of relationships.
We work hard to create environments where relationships can flourish. One of the
most incredible ways to connect to connections is by joining a group or class.
We base our Groups model on the early church as described in the Bible in the
book of Acts. In Acts, you can read about how group meetings in homes helped
lay the foundation for tremendous growth in the first church in Jerusalem.
Riverside Church is a church of Groups, not a church with Groups. We believe
there is no great divide between the “ministers” and the “congregation.” Everyone has something they can do to impact the lives of others in the Kingdom of God. From our perspective, every member of Riverside Church is a minister, gifted in some area, and every task is essential. Discover what you do well, and take steps to use your gifts to make a difference.

We are most like Jesus when we serve others by showing God’s love practically
by meeting the needs within our communities and spheres of influence. Simple acts of personal kindness can open hearts to the love of Jesus for both those
being served and those serving.
We want everyone passionate about helping people find the right opportunities to effectively use their gifts to build up the body of Christ and extend the Kingdom of
God.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many
MARK 10:45 NIV

The best time to empower the next generation is now. The future of the church is one of our highest priorities. That’s why discipling the next generation is crucial to
our culture and DNA. It is our goal to partner with parents and help them be the champion of their child’s spiritual journey. Young people are encouraged to grow relationally and spiritually with others through groups. We also celebrate young people’s gifts and talents by empowering them to serve on the Dream Team.

Another way we can serve others is by sharing our stories with them. Looking
back on what God has done not only builds our faith but helps us to encourage
others. After you share your story with others, invite them to Riverside Church.

How to Write Your Story
• Before – What was your life like before you had a relationship with Jesus?
• Then – What happened in your life that brought you to God? How did you
enter into a relationship with Jesus?
• Now – How is your life different now that you have a relationship with Jesus
and His family?

Financial giving through the church is done in two ways: tithes and offerings. The
Bible teaches that we worship the Lord by bringing Him our tithe, which is 10% of
our income. When we give in addition to our tithe, it’s called an offering.

“Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as gen-
erous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a

special appeal.”
1 CORINTHIANS 16:1–4 MSG

“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
DEUTERONOMY 14:22–26

“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.

Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the flood-
gates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
MALACHI 3:10

God tells us in His Word that He loves a cheerful giver, which is why we always
want to create opportunities to give as He leads us and with a cheerful heart,
through no obligation.

The generosity of the church’s people helps create more opportunities for people

to experience a life-changing relationship with Jesus, and there is no more signifi-
cant impact we could make together.