Formed in 2008 we started meeting in the Duke Youth Centre in St Mary Cray as a small group of ordinary people who shared a commitment to reach our local community with the love of God and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
As the church grew we moved to the Link Youth Centre in St Pauls Cray in 2013 and continued to grow until we needed an even bigger venue. In 2021 we moved to Midfield Primary School on Grovelands Road.
God is making us to be a church which has the River of Life powerfully flowing through it. God wants this River to flow out of us and into new places, to impact the people we know and meet, so that they can experience the transforming power of Christ. Our passion is to see people saved, strengthened and then sent to share the gospel with others. This may be locally, nationally or internationally.
We are part of a network of churches called MissionLifeGrace (MLG). A group of churches walking together to love God, share His love in the world and grow disciples. We are all independent but share the same heart for God. We are evangelical, charismatic and seek to live out the life of God in holy living as we see in the scriptures.
Originally started as a small family church, we still hold those benefits of family life. We love to do things together including our children. We love to care for and support one another. We certainly are not a church that is content to 'just turn up'.
We meet together on Sundays but also in the week. Church is more than a gathering. Our home groups are places were we can grow in God through worship and the word, serve and support one another as church family and connect with and invite those who do not yet know Jesus.
At the River Church we have a lead pastor, Tim Cross, who is supported by his core team who work together to lead the church. If you have a question for the leadership team, send us an email using this link
Tim and Helen have 3 energetic and loud boys. Tim works for the River Church full time, while Helen works part time as a Speech Therapist. Together they oversee the leadership of the church.
John and Ruth have two daughters and five grandchildren. John has been an elder at the church for many years and has recently retired from his career as an Insurance Assessor. They are actively involved in caring and supporting people in the church and community.
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Patrick is one of the River Church Elders and oversees pastoral care and Gemma heads up our children's ministry, Together they lead our Youth Ministry. Pat works in IT as a team leader for an American Insurance firm and Gemma is a full time mum to their 3 children.
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Mark is an engineer for a transport company and Alice works part time for the River Church. They have 4 awesome children. Mark is one of the River Church Elders on the Leadership Team and together they lead our Online Church Ministry.
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