We want to do everything we can to make your visit a positive one. Whether you’re coming back to church or you’re trying it out for the first time, we know it’s a big step. Our prayer is that you would feel welcome and find a new home with us at The River.
Plan Your First Visit
We don’t need to make it complicated – dress how you like, try to arrive a few minutes early, and meet us at the Connection Center so we can get to know you and give you a thank you gift for joining us!
If you’re brand-new to The River, we invite you to complete this New Visitor Form before you arrive. We’ll offer you the same form when you stop by the Connection Center if you don’t fill it out online.
FAQ
You can find answers to common questions here! For specific concerns or inquiries, reach out to
info@theriver.church.
Whether you’re attending in-person or online, services for adults and our children’s ministry begin at 9AM and 11AM on Sundays, and 7PM on Wednesdays.
Purpose828 Youth for 7th-12th graders begins at 7PM on Wednesdays.
The River is a non-denominational, Bible-based church. Please click here for our tenets of faith, accompanied by scriptural references, that largely summarize the atmosphere and spiritual posture of The River.
First and foremost, expect a Spirit-filled environment, dynamic praise and worship, and the unadulterated Word of God. Our congregation is multicultural, multilingual, multigenerational, and includes individuals and families with an array of backgrounds and upbringings.
While we don’t have a strict dress policy, we do ask that you remain mindful in how you present yourself in a place of worship. Some wear T-shirts and jeans, others wear suits. Tattoos, piercings, and vibrant hair colors are all welcome. The River is a place we want you to feel comfortable while also honoring the House of the Lord.
Bring ’em in! The River offers classes for children from birth – 6th grade during all of our adult services. We encourage you to jump to the Kids Life page for full descriptions of what classes look like for different age groups, safety and check-in details, and more.
La traducción al español está disponible durante nuestros servicios dominicales de las 11AM. Spanish translation is available during our 11AM Sunday services. Stop by the Event Center to pick up a translation device before service.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Jack & Joyce Holt
Senior Pastors
Pastor Jack and Joyce started River of Life in October, 1982 in the auditorium of Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way, WA. Services grew until the first church building was purchased on 216th street in Kent, WA. In 2002 we opened our doors to our current building which provides state-of-the-art equipment for our services, events, meetings and classes.
Pastor Jack is a graduate of Rhema Bible Institute and has received his honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Bible Focus College. Pastor Jack is the Senior Pastor at River of Life and preaches the word during most weekly services.
Pastor and Joyce love spending quality time together, their kids and grand-kids, as well as ministering as a couple. Joyce is a key leader at River of Life Fellowship, who loves people and has a heart to reach the hurting and the lost.
Jim
Xavier
Pastor Jim has served River of Life in a number of ways over the years as Senior Communications Director, missionary to Japan and now as Executive Pastor. He loves people, music, and to see the church flourish!
Tracy
Xavier
Pastor Tracy has served The River in several capacities, including Women’s Ministries, Media and Communications, and as missionary to Japan along with her family. She loves serving the church to help others become spiritually healthy and strong.
Jennifer
Braham
Pastor Jennifer is the head of The River’s children’s ministry, Kids Life. She is a bright and cheerful servant of God, always looking for new and innovative activities, lesson plans, and events to bring kids closer to God and to teach in a fun and engaging way.
Isaiah
Robinson
Pastor Isaiah has served The River for years as a drummer, youth leader, and intern. His passion is seeing young people saved while establishing a true relationship with Jesus that will last a lifetime. He currently pastors for our 7th – 12th graders in Purpose828 and oversees our young adults ministry.
Erik
Madsen
Erik is The River’s director for Helps Ministries and our men’s ministry, Men of Faith. His range of responsibility covers most all of our volunteer frontline base including greeters, ushers, security, and more. Erik’s heart is to serve the Lord by serving the church.
Jonathan
Guddat
Jonathan has been on staff with The River for many years in various technical roles. He is now serving as our chief Creative Director, overseeing church public relations, social media, graphic content and communications.
Michelle
Gonzalez
Michelle is a talented guitarist/vocalist whose worship style is heartfelt and intimate. She is serving by leading our congregation into a time of worship, creating an atmosphere for God’s presence to bring life-change.
River of Life Fellowship
10615 SE 216th Street, Kent, WA 98031
Phone:
(253) 859-0832
Email:
info@theriver.church
Church Office
10626 SE 216th Street, Kent, WA 98031
Monday – Thursday, 8AM – 5PM