When you're starting a new church, there really are no rules about giving it a name. After a lot of prayer, we dediced to call our new community of faith "The River."

In the Old Testament book of Ezekiel, chapter 47, we read about a river flowing from the throne of God. For awhile, the prophet Ezekiel was walking in water only ankle deep. Still walking, the water rose to his knees. Soon the current was waist deep. Eventually the waters rose over his head and he was forced to swim.

In verse 8 we learn that this "river of God" flows into a stagnant sea, and the fresh water of God brings life to the dead places. That wherever the water flowed, life flourished.

We want "The River" to be a community of faith that brings life to dead places - in hearts, families, neighborhoods and around the world.

"Wherever THE RIVER flows, life will flourish...
Where THE RIVER flows, life abounds."
Ezekiel 47:9 [MSG]