TEACHING

A man with glasses and a patterned shirt speaking into a microphone on stage in front of a cross with green fabric. There is a guitar and musical stands on stage, and an audience seated facing the stage.

  • Watch our current teaching series as well as past Sunday Gatherings.

  • Our general approach to Sunday morning teaching is expository, meaning that our standard practice is to teach verse-by-verse through individual books of the Bible.  

    Though it is our regular practice, we are not dogmatic about expository preaching. We find great value in being part of a body and a story much larger than ourselves, so we observe sacred seasons and days like Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. There are times, especially during these and other special days and seasons, that we teach topically on themes pertinent to the season.  

  • Throughout the year we have occasional learning communities. In addition to home groups, learning communities provide space to dive into deeper content and create space for practices and feedback. Topics for learning communities range from book studies, spiritual practices, Bible deep-dives, theological discussions, current events, and practical life skills.  

    Learning communities happen at various times: Sunday mornings before the worship gathering, Saturday workshops, or even late Friday nights. Check out our Linktree or church calendar for upcoming learning communities. 

  • Our goal in teaching is not mere transmission of good information, but apprenticeship to Jesus. Effective learning requires not only good content but also frequent practice and safe ways to receive/give feedback. Jesus modeled apprentice-style teaching that allows for more active learning and practicing (e.g. Luke 9:1-6).  

    Riverside’s teaching strives for an apprentice model that balances content along with practices and experiences. We attempt to create an open and safe community environment that fosters giving and receiving feedback, particularly in our home groups. This apprentice model directly supports our mission priority of Journeying Side-by-Side in the Way of Jesus. 

  • The following statements are foundational for our shared faith at Riverside:

    God - There is only one God, Creator of heaven and earth, who exists eternally as three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – each fully God and yet personally distinct from each other. Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:18; 14:15-17; 2 Corinthians 13:14

    People - All people are created in God's image and deeply loved by Him. God invites us to live in connection with Himself and in community with each other. Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 8:5-6; Acts 17:28

    Jesus - Jesus Christ, second Person of the Trinity, was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless human life, willingly took upon Himself all of our sins, suffered and died on the Cross, was bodily resurrected, and is presently at the right hand of the Father, where He is our advocate and mediator. He will return in the future to consummate history and to fulfill the eternal plan of God. Mark 8:27-29; John 8:51-59; 10:30-38; 20:26-29; Acts 2:36; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Peter 1:1

    Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit, third Person of the Trinity, is present in the world to make people aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He indwells in every follower of Jesus from the moment of salvation, giving spiritual gifts to serve the church and reach out to a lost and needy world. He is available to instruct, guide, and empower us to live like Jesus. Genesis 8:1; Psalm 104:29-30; Ezekiel 37:1-10; John 14; Acts 2; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

    Bible - The Bible is God's unique revelation to people. It is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the supreme and final authority on all matters upon which it teaches. No other writings have such divine authority. The Bible's truth is timeless and speaks to our everyday lives. Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20

    Salvation - Apart from Jesus Christ, every person is spiritually lost and, because of sin, deserves the judgment of God. However, God gives salvation and eternal life to anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ and in His sacrifice on their behalf. Salvation cannot be earned through personal goodness or human effort. It is a gift that must be received by humble repentance and faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:1-9

    Church - All people who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior are members of the body of Christ, the one true universal Church. The local church is a community of believers who gather for worship, prayer, instruction, encouragement, mutual accountability, and service with each other. Followers of Jesus invest time, energy, and resources in the church in order to fulfill the Great Commission – seeking and inviting lost people to join in the journey of following Jesus and becoming more like Him. John 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 12:1-31; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:3-6; 1 Peter 2:9

    Practices - Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded two practices to the church: water baptism and communion. These are available to all who follow Jesus. Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:2-4; 1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:23-26

    Eternity - Death seals the eternal destiny of each person. At the final judgment, those who reject Jesus will be separated from God into condemnation. Those who accept Jesus will be received into God's loving presence and rewarded for their faithfulness to Him in this life. Romans 8:34-39; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 1:23; 2 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 21 & 22

    Become a “member” of Riverside by signing this Family of Faith Commitment (Online Submission)