A creative, photographic close-up of a clear glass jar labeled with a small, turned-away tag, overflowing with colorful folded paper slips, resting on a reclaimed wood table in a church lobby. Each slip is a different pastel shade, edges slightly curled, suggesting prayer requests or ways to get involved. In the softly blurred background, a hallway leads toward the sanctuary, its walls painted in warm neutrals with playful blue and green accents. Natural window light from the side creates a gentle glow on the jar and wooden surface, casting soft, curved shadows. Shot with shallow depth of field and a centered composition, the mood feels hopeful, interactive, and personal, capturing the spirit of a church that values individual stories and communal prayer.

Get Involved

Find your place at The River Church and use your God given gifts and talents to help build God’s Kingdom. There is a place for you to serve and be a blessing to others.

Ministries

There’s a place for everyone at River of Life. Explore our ministries and find the one that fits where you are right now.

Wednesday Bible Study gathering at River of Life Church

Wednesday Bible Study

Join us every Wednesday night at 7PM for a Deeper Life Bible Study. This is a great time of discipleship and an opportunity to meet others in a smaller casual setting.

Children’s Church

Children’s Church (River Bears) is every other week. Children stay in service during worship. After worship they are dismissed to go to their own service. All of our workers with children have been approved with a formal criminal background check and are enthusiastic about seeing your kids grow in Christ.

Evangelism and Outreach ministry at River of Life Church

Evangelism/Outreach

We believe it’s important for every Christian to share their faith and help reach the lost. We train you how to effectively share your faith and provide opportunities to put your witness into action.

Eagles Wings ministry group at River of Life Church

Eagles Wings

Eagles Wings is a close-knit body of believers who are there for one another through every season of life. They love to get together and check out all of the local restaurants — if you want to know what restaurant serves the best breakfast, ask anyone from the Eagles Wings group! They are also actively involved in praying for one another and for various needs of the church. A great group to hook up with!

Church Fellowship at River of Life Church

Church Fellowship

Church Fellowship is an important ministry of the Church. River of Life is blessed with a great facility that includes a large kitchen where food is prepared and a comfortable place to sit back and relax. When you first walk through our doors you are greeted with a warm handshake and a friendly smile and an expansive lobby where you can chill out, get a coffee and enjoy one another’s fellowship. Hope to see you there!

Tuesday Prayer at River of Life Church

Tuesday Prayer

Our Prayer time is an important aspect of our church. Each week a number of people gather together to agree in prayer for our community and many other needs. Each time we gather together we bring our confessions and our requests before the Lord. The Word of God serves as our foundation for everything we pray for. A great time to gather and seek the Lord.

Young Adult Ministry at River of Life Church

Young Adult Ministry

Young Adult Ministry is led by Pastor Jonathan Craig. Pastor Jonathan understands the struggles that young people walk through. He is there to help young adults grow in their faith and to become strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Besides Bible studies, there is a well-balanced time of activities, fun, and impacting their generation for Christ.

Women's Ministry at River of Life Church

Women’s Ministry

Women’s Ministry is led by Pastor Charlene. She is the mother of 4 amazing children who are serving Christ and are each actively involved in ministry. She is also the author of the book “The Journey of a Pastor’s Wife” — available on Amazon and in our Books section. A great read for all moms raising their children.

Men's Ministry at River of Life Church

Men’s Ministry

Men’s Ministry is led by Pastor Bruce. You can expect a good balance between fun activities like Top Golf, going to the shooting range, or a breakfast∕steak dinner with a Bible study — all great times to form lasting friendships and opportunities to grow in your faith and become the man God called you to be.

Worship Ministries at River of Life Church

Worship Ministries

Worship at River of Life Church is very important to us. We believe it’s important to help cultivate an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit is welcome. Each week we invite the presence of God into our midst through our Spirit Filled Praise and Worship. We are not shy about giving God all the Glory that belongs to Him. We lift our hands, we clap our hands, and shout to the Lord with the voice of triumph!

Nursery at River of Life Church

Nursery

River of Life has a separate area for moms where they can sit and enjoy the service with their babies. There is a window that allows them to see into the sanctuary and a speaker that lets them listen to the service live. It is equipped with a rocking chair and all the privacy a new mom would want. Besides our nursery we have some dedicated workers who provide ministry to 2–3-year-olds every other Sunday.

Greeters and Ushers Ministry at River of Life Church

Greeters/Ushers

We thank God for those who serve in various areas of the Church. We are especially thankful for our faithful greeters and ushers. You can expect a warm greeting by someone when you visit River of Life Church. Our ushers are always happy to serve and help where they are needed.

A modern small-group meeting room in a church, photographed in realistic detail without any people, conveying connection and conversation through objects. A circular table of light maple wood sits at the center, covered with well-worn Bibles, spiral notebooks, colorful pens, and ceramic mugs half-filled with coffee, their surfaces catching soft overhead light. Around the table, upholstered chairs in varied, cheerful colors are slightly pushed back, as if just vacated. A large wall-mounted screen in the background displays an abstract, unreadable graphic glow. The lighting is warm and even, creating a cozy, inviting mood. Captured from a slightly elevated angle with sharp focus, the composition suggests playful discussion, Bible study, and community-building at River of Life, without featuring any human subjects.

Featured Ministry Focus

An aerial, photographic view of a church community outdoor space beside a low, modern church building in Edwardsville, Illinois, captured with no people visible. Wooden picnic tables rest on a neatly mowed lawn, their surfaces scattered with closed board game boxes and empty paper cups, hinting at recent fellowship. String lights are draped between young trees, unlit in the soft, late-afternoon sunlight that casts long, gentle shadows across the grass. The church building’s brick and siding facade is clean and approachable, with large windows reflecting the sky. Composition follows the rule of thirds, with the building anchoring one side and the lawn filling the foreground. The mood is relaxed, playful, and community-oriented, suggesting barbecues, game nights, and casual gatherings that help people get involved.

Get Connected

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