River of Life Church

• Querstin Lara★★★★★4 months ago

  We have been so blessed to find The River of Life Church in Abilene. About a year ago, I was going through a really rough time, and every time I drove through Abilene, I would look at the church and feel drawn to it. One Sunday we finally decided to go, and from the moment we walked in, we loved it. Everyone came up to welcome us with such kindness and hugs that made us feel right at home. Since then, we have continued going, and it has truly been such a blessing in our lives. In October, I was baptized by Father David, and it was one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I have never felt closer to God than I have since becoming part of the River. We are so thankful and grateful to have found such an amazing church family.

• Holly McLain★★★★★7 months ago

  Such a warm, welcoming little church community. I enjoy the sermons the pastor prepares. Love all the family engagement and kids activities. They have a great kids church. They have two service times. Overall, an amazing church.

• D★☆☆☆☆9 months ago

  When my husband was killed, not one phone call, visit, nothing. This is a place to be seen. It is not a place of true worship and service. Borders on a cult. Many original members have left...with good reason. So sorry we were so financially involved. Find a real church family. If you don't drive the fanciest and newest car, dress in designer clothes and show off your debt, this isn't for you and you won't be "family". I'm certain Jesus is ashamed of them. Edited to say I absolutely mean the River of Life Church on 83/84 in Abilene abd while they seem to object to being called out, the review will NOT be removed as every word is true. How shameful you would demand a review of your hypocritical, nonChristian behavior be removed. I have MANY stories I could share and may well do so because of your failure to take responsibility for your dispicable, hateful behavior. Again folks...avoid this place UNLESS you just want to show off your clothes, jewelery and cars. It's NOT God's house.

• Shannon Stoddard★★★★★9 months ago

  The MDO program is incredible. So many fun, lovely activities for all the kids. Our one year old really enjoys it and Ms. Shanda does an excellent job organizing everything. We really feel the teachers and administrators care about our girl!

• Conor Mulligan★★★★★a year ago

  The River changed our lives forever! Pastor David and his wife Gina are so welcoming and the messages every week are always so relevant, and biblical! River Students with Anthony and his wife Maria is a great way for pre-teens and teens to build fellowship and grow in their faith as they transition into adults. The River is family and you will feel it from the moment you walk in the door.

• M Hoehn★★★★★8 years ago

  "I came to abilene about five years ago with my family after my father took a job out here. We tried several churches and eventually they picked one that fit best for them. I attended, but never felt connected or the desire to be so, but when my friend brought me to the River a few months ago, I immediately felt at home. It wasn't a chore or something to check off the list. I wanted to come and I haven't missed a week since! I found my home and church family!" I posted this on the day that I officially joined the church in September and I love this church even more each time that I step through it's doors!

• Katie Potts★★★★★8 years ago

  We tried the River after hearing about it from a friend and fell in love the first time. Not sure how it took us three years to find this hidden gem but we are glad we did! I've never loved a church so much after the first service! From the moment we walked in the door, we felt like celebrities. Everyone was so glad to meet us and the service was exactly what we have been looking for! Unfortunately we are moving in a few weeks but we will sure enjoy it until then. We have three kids ages 1, 5, and 8 and the older ones love the kids church! And the nursery workers are always so sweet and caring! We will miss the River so much!

• Jessie Young★★★★★8 years ago

  The River has been such a blessing to our family! We have grown in our faith and have established a close faith community. The staff does a great job with children's ministry and we feel so comfortable leaving our kiddo in their care. We are behind Pastor Michael's vision of helping people win and bringing others to Christ and becoming a part of a church family. The River's mission and vision is infectious and we can't help but want to be a part of it!

• Ashlee Broadstreet★★★★★8 years ago

  If you are looking for a church, the River is a great place to feel a warm welcome home each week. The children’s ministry cares about investing time in your kids, the staff is always looking for ways to help, and the sermon is engaging. There are two options for services on Sunday and opportunities to be a part of a small group during the week.

• Terran Krake★★★★★9 years ago

  This is a great non-denominational church on the south side of town. The entire staff is wonderful and the messages hit the nail on the head every week! The worship service is energetic, the people are super friendly, and the facility is awesome! This church is exactly what my family was looking for. The River offers something for everyone. Abilene may have a church on every corner, but this place truly stands out from the others. Visit and I promise you will look forward to coming back!

• Paula Boyle★★★★★8 years ago

  I started attending the church in January of this year. The thing I love the most is Michael's honesty and that he is a man and doesn't feel the need to hide behind God and act as if he is somebody he is not! The church is welcoming, the people are great, and the worship is truly out of this world. I am excited about being a part of this church!

• Loren T Weisman★★★★★2 years ago

  This place and these people feel as though they are both true to their words and true to the word. My experience has been an authentic, warm, welcoming and engaging church. In the couple visits so far, the connection feels genuine. So many experiences as of late of churches that speak many words that sound appealing, yet the actions seems false, template like or just off.

• Valeria Villanueva★★★★★8 years ago

  This church is amazing! The messages resonate to everyday life and the leaders of the church make individuals feel like they belong to a family. The children's ministry also follows a fun and engaging curriculum! If you're in the area come try it out!

• Joseph Thomas★★★★★8 years ago

  Great time of fun and fellowship!! I've officially gone to this church now for the past two weeks and have already been treated like I've been a member for years!!! Very welcoming in every way. You are sure to have the best experience here at The River!!!

• CE O★☆☆☆☆a year ago

  I started going here for a couple of weeks and reached out to pastor david for a cup of coffee to get to know him better. In our convo he told me a little about the history of the church and how before he got there there were dwindling numbers of members and he mention they had about 20 people attending then he told me that when he got there " I brought 200 people to the church." I couldnt get that out of my mind that a pastor would take all the credit for the church growing and not give any credit to God, which should have been 100%. I still kept going and did my best to get something out of the service but I couldnt and the statement that he brought 200 people to the church didnt seem very humble for a pastor to say. I couldnt get passed that. I stopped going.

• Brandy Cockrell★★★★★8 years ago

  When we decided to visit RoL the first time, we knew we had found our “home.” We had visited other churches around town and were never made to feel as welcome as we did when we walked through the doors here. All of us get excited when we wake up Sunday because we know spending Sunday morning with the RoL family is the perfect start to the week! I’m so excited to know that my kids are learning from people who are as excited to spread the word as my kids are to hear it. The leaders of the church were even able to convince my husband to volunteer...that’s a victory in itself since he isn’t one to get very involved in things. Give it a try. I’ll be surprised if you leave without making a connection with at least one person/family. WE WIN TOGETHER! Almost forgot: Have you ever felt like the message was created just for you? That’s me. Every. Single. Week.

• Teshuah Hawkins★★★★★7 years ago

  I went to this church after leaving another and this one I felt comfortable in my own skin. Everyone is so friendly and the music is phenomenal I know some of the songs that have been played by Toby Mac, Matthew West and Crowder and many more that have been sung by these wonderful people. I can’t wait to come back and fellowship with my friends and family here.

• Alvin Drumz★★★★★8 years ago

  I visited The River back in July and haven't left since. The River is very welcoming and they have become my family. I look forward to going every week and enjoy seeing new faces and families there. This is a great place to be with great leadership as well! #WeWinTogether

• LORRAINE BLYTHE★★★★★9 years ago

  I love my church. We have an awesome preacher who although young is wise spiritually beyond his years. Our church family is very loving and compassionate. We have an awesome children and youth program.

• Garrett Betts★★★★★8 years ago

  The River is a place where people from all walks of life come together to WIN together. From the moment my wife and I walked into the door several months ago, we knew this was our church home. I highly recommend giving The River a chance if you are looking for a new church family.

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