Vision Partnership Information

As Christians, we are members of God’s household (Eph. 2:19) called to function, participate, and minister in a particular place within the body of Christ. A healthy body requires that each member do its part well. A healthy church requires the same: members who are sacrificially committed and well-equipped to do the works of service that God has prepared in advance for them to do (Eph. 2:10; 4:12). At The River Church, those who make formal commitment and consider this their church home are called Vision Partners. The River Church holds its Vision Partners in high regard; we expect them to lead as missionaries of the gospel to our society and culture. God, in his sovereignty, placed us in this city, among these people, in this century, for a reason (Acts 17:26–27).

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. –Romans 12:3–8

Being a Vision Partner of The River Church is about being part of a family. All Vision Partners are disciples of Jesus, unified by their identity in Christ. This unity is expressed in the way we collaborate in loving God, fellow Christians, and non-believers. Believers who enter into a partnership with the local church are called to a higher degree of responsibility and service. At the same time, church leadership is committed to assist them first and foremost: to love and lead; provide counsel and aid; and teach, guide and pray for them.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. -1Pet 4:8

We have Vision Partners because the Word of God tells us, And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and also those that are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 

We believe that the Holy Spirit leads God’s people to a local church and plants them there. Becoming part of a church body is a supernatural work of the Spirit. Therefore, Vision Partnership is just an official recognition before the congregation of what the Holy Spirit has already done. 

But now God hath set the members, every one of them, in the body, as it hath pleased him. – 1 Cor 12:18

 

Church Government

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. – Hebrews 13:17

The River Church operates under a five-fold government (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers), Elders who lead the church, and appointed servants (deacons) who lead individual ministries; all of which raise up disciples.

Who We Are and What We Believe

The River Church is a non-denominational, self-governing, local church established after the pattern of the Bible. The River Church was founded in 2009 and called to raise strong families and individuals who will take the good news of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We desire to see many experience the powerful presence of God, be ignited by His fire, and be transformed as we take a newly found passion to others.

 

We believe that the Bible is the very Word of God, infallible, inerrant and our only guide on matters of faith and practice. We encourage our Vision Partners to practice daily Bible reading and study to live a life of victory and to help guide families, marriages and relationships.

 

We believe in the church, “the called out ones,” which is made up of men and women world-wide who have believed in the gospel and been born again. We believe that believers should gather on a weekly basis to form a community of love and brotherhood, and grow by the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.

 

We believe that Jesus Christ was the sacrifice God planned from the foundation of the world for the sin of the human race. By shedding His blood and dying on the cross, Jesus made provision for the salvation of all people.

 

We believe that the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in every believer at the moment of salvation. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct from salvation, releasing the power of the Holy Spirit through faith. Consistent with biblical accounts, believers should anticipate Spirit-baptism to be accompanied by speaking in tongues and other biblical manifestations.

 

We believe that every Christian should walk and abide in daily fellowship with the Holy Spirit and experience continual renewing of God’s power to live a Spirit-filled life in attitudes, thoughts, speech, and conduct.

 

We believe in baptism subsequent to salvation as a sign of the new life which has been found in Jesus. Communion was given for us to remember the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and foot washing is a sign of servanthood and the connection we find in the Body of Christ.

 

We believe that our calling as the church and individual believers is to preach and live out the Gospel in our everyday life. This Great Commission commands us to carry the gospel message to the world – to every nation, culture and language.

 

*Our complete statement of faith can be found on the church website at www.theriverchurchnw.com/we-believe or at the Information Center in the church lobby.

Vision Statement

Our Desire Is To:

Vision Partner FAQ’s

What is a Vision Partner? Vision Partnership is a promise we make to one another. It is service done purely out of love that makes itself accountable to the input and/or correction that might come while in partnership with a local church. Most of all, Vision Partners agree and help push the stated mission of the church forward; desire to see others touched by the love of Christ; and participate in church activities and weekly services.

Why does The River Church have Vision Partners? The River Church is a local church. The Bible uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church: For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ (1 Cor. 12:12). This is a beautiful illustration of how we are each created to serve a different function. We need everyone to function in order to be a healthy body; as each separate part finds purpose and unity under Jesus, who is the head of the body, the church (Col 1:18). This encourages a community and culture of trust and honor because we are all accountable to the Word of God, one another and the leading of the Holy Spirit. But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him (1 Cor. 12:18).  Each member of the body of Christ was created with unique gifts, talents and character, and is therefore an invaluable part of the church family.

What’s the difference between a Vision Partner and someone who visits The River Church regularly? We make a distinction between Vision Partners and guests. A guest remains partially separated from our church family, as a guest is technically separated from the maturity, accountability, protection and care that comes with being an active part of the local church. Vision Partners, on the other hand, have expressed their desire to partner with the vision of the church as led by the Holy Spirit; they participate by sacrificing time, talent, and treasure; commit to the care and community of fellow members; and recognize the leadership God has established to lead the congregation. Believers who only consume rather than contribute to a local church do a disservice to Jesus’ body (the church).  In short, the difference between a Vision Partner and a guest is that Vision Partners take an active part in furthering the mission and vision of The River Church and receive special care from the Elders. We believe that Vision Partners will receive more blessing and fulfillment than someone who does not fully commit to the church body.

Why should I become a Vision Partner? Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will (Eph. 1:5). We are a family and we care for each other, pray for each other, and serve together. Our desire is that love, prayer and ministry be provided to all the broken and needy who walk through our doors. However, the Bible requires that we take care of our family first (Eph. 2:19, Gal. 6:10). That means there is a greater level of pastoral support, protection, accountability, and opportunities to grow and serve for those officially partnering with the vision of the church.

What are the benefits of becoming a Vision Partner? When relationship is defined, it promotes clarity of purpose and spiritual oneness within our church family. Scripture calls us as a body, a family, and a household; being a Christian is not a solo effort. Jesus works through the church (Eph. 2:10) and we, the church, are Jesus’ body (1 Cor. 12:27). Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5). This coming together gives us a bigger sphere of influence; it provides support and leadership that is vital for the body to be healthy and to work properly. Also, as believers we enjoy the guidance that His Word provides, and when sin comes between us we enjoy the reconciliation Jesus’ blood provides.

How do I formalize my Vision Partnership? Make sure that the Holy Spirit is planting you at The River Church. To formalize your Vision Partnership: 1. Attend a Vision Partner Seminar. If outside the set renewal period, please speak with one of our Elders.  2. Come into agreement with the mission and purpose of The River Church. 3. Read and agree with the Statement of Faith. 4. Complete a Vision Partner Information form and submit it to The River Church office. The contact information will be kept confidential and will be used for church office purposes only.

Please complete a Vision Partner Contact Form (1 per family) by downloading it below and returning it to the office.

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