About Us

Early in 2004, a handful of people met together in the living room of Dean & Leslie Ward's home in New Kensington. We considered what it would be like to begin a new church in our community. We wondered what it would be like to start a church that is dedicated to helping people on their journey back to God, a church that reaches out and runs deep. The River, a community church, was born and held its first church service on Sunday, December 5th, 2004.

Our Vision: Helping people on their journey back to God

Our Mission: Reaching Out and Running Deep

The 5 G's

From the beginning The River has had goals for the community and for the people around it. Part of reaching out and running deep is having a focus and goals for change in the lives we come in contact with. Below are five goals that The River has for people.

1. Grace - We want people to experience grace by beginning a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We also want believers to share grace by helping others to do the same. (Ephesians 2:8,9)



2. Growth - We want believers to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ by increasing their love for God and love for others. (Mark 12:28-34; 2 Peter 3:18)



3. Groups - We want people to develop relationships with others by experiencing community in small groups that meet on a regular basis. (Accts 2:46)



4. Gifts - We want believers to to serve God and others by discovering their spiritual gift(s) and serving on an Impact Team of The River. (1 Peter 4:10)



5. Giving - We want believers to invest in the ministry of the local church (because it is the hope of the world) by giving generously of their resources to the local church. (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Dean Ward - The Lead Pastor

The River Brochure

For a PDF version of our brochure, click here.