Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Riverview.

What do you believe? Does Riverview have some crazy off the wall beliefs?

You can view our Statement of Faith here. You will find we are a non-denominational church that values the Word of God as our standard for living.

What kind of church is this?

We are not your father's church, per se. We are very casual in our attire, services, and worship, but conservative in doctrine as a non - denominational church. We serve gourmet coffee and have overstuffed couches and chairs. We want to be a church where anyone and everyone really does feel comfortable checking out God stuff. If you are searching spiritually, we're the place to hang out and learn about Jesus.

What is a service like?

Our services move quickly with current music and interactive teachings laced with video and action. We do not want to be boring. Teachings are application - oriented (you can do something with the information on Monday). With five pastors, we have a variety of teaching styles.

What can I wear to church?

Jeans and a T-shirt are fine with us... or a suit or a dress (but preferably not both). We are definitely casual. We just ask that you wear something. We're not that concerned with the outside appearance.

How do I become a member?

We offer a new members' class, called Riv 101: Connecting, four times a year. The class covers what it means to be a member at Riverview, as far as what we believe, how to get more involved, and our vision. Each class is two hours long and lunch is provided. Email info@rivchurch.com to see when the next class is, or check out the weekly announcements to see if there's one coming up soon.

What's with the coffee?

Good question. We have no idea. We like it, so we keep buying it and people keep drinking it. Actually, we know folks like a good, gourmet coffee and we want folks to feel comfortable. On the average weekend we go through 9 gallons of half & half, 15 pounds of sugar, and 180 carafes of coffee.

What is there for my kids?

First, we have RivKids, an extensive program for younger kids (infants - 5th Grade), during many of our service times. Then there's Chaos for Middle Schoolers, also during many of our service times. Additionally, Chaos takes trips to amusement parks, lazer tag, concerts, and other cool events. And for High Schoolers, there's Bob, which meets weekly for worship and teaching, and takes summer ministry and leadership trips.

How do I get married at Riverview?

Anyone can get married, but we're more interested in it being a GREAT marriage. To encourage that result, we offer a day- long Pre - Marriage Seminar called “Before You Say I Do”, about finances, communication, intimacy, etc. If you are a member and would like to find out more about weddings, just contact the church office for a Wedding Packet. You can either call 517.694.3400 or email info@rivchurch.com

What does Riverview believe about Baptism?

Baptism, like a wedding ceremony, is an outward demonstration of our inward love and symbolizes our death to the old life (going under water) and resurrection to a new one (rising up out of it). (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4) You can read more about baptism here.

Why are there so many pastors at Riverview? Who's the Senior Pastor?

We operate under the “plurality” of leaders principle found in the New Testament. This team model has multiple pastors with equal authority, but different gifting. This not only makes for a strong leadership team for increased wisdom, decision making, burden sharing, and leadership, but offers accountability and protection from pride, sin, etc.

What is Riverview's position on financial giving?

Few areas are as misunderstood in Christianity as the area of giving. The idea that a believer in Jesus Christ is obligated to tithe (give 10% of their income to their local church to support the work of God) is widespread among the body of Christ.

Some churches require members to submit to the leadership their income records to ensure that they are indeed giving 10%. Other churches teach that anyone who does not tithe is robbing God and is therefore under a curse.

At Riverview, we do not believe the Bible teaches the tithe is incumbent upon New Testament believers. However, it does teach that Christians are to be generous, sacrificial, expectant and cheerful givers! We often stress that giving is something that is between an individual Christian and God. If you are visiting Riverview, you will not be expected to give. In fact, we hope that you will sit back and take it all in without feeling any pressure to “drop something in the basket.”

How can I get involved at Riverview?

At Riverview, we offer all kinds of ways to get involved. Most of our areas of ministry fall into one of two areas:

Age Specific and General Ministries
We have groups for everyone from little kids to community folks and everyone in between. If you are looking to hang out with some people from your life stage, this is a great place to start. We also have ministries that cross the “age-divide.” These include compassionate outreach to the community, as well as classes for all ages and athletic groups that play hoop or climb mountains.

Service Ministries
Looking for a place to serve? You can find a lot of areas that are looking for a helping hand here.

Do llamas go to heaven?

Umm... no. But on a related note... here's how you can:

There's much confusion today in our culture regarding what a Christian is and how a person one. Some believe that being a Christian means being born into a particular church or denomination and being baptized as a baby into that religion. Others would say that being a Christian means that you have to believe in God, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, attend a church and try to do your best in living an upright life.

With all the confusion out there, it's important that we look to the Bible for answers. God has provided for us a definitive and authoritative answer in His Word that allows us to navigate through all the confusion that we may encounter. To understand what Jesus Himself has taught regarding how to become a follower of His, we need to see what the New Testament teaches.

When we study the New Testament, we see that a person becomes a Christian by recognizing three things. First, a person needs to recognize that they are separated from God because of sin and under His judgment. We have a natural inclination to rebel against God and be hostile to Him. (Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 2:1-3; Colossians 1:21) We are corrupt in such a way that it's impossible for us to know God, love Him, or obey Him the way we ought to. (Romans 8:5-7) Sin has infested every area of our lives,and we sin against God because we are by nature sinners. (Romans 3:9-20) Since the very core of who we are is corrupt, it is impossible for us to change our condition.

The sad result is that we are completely separated from God. Sin has completely destroyed man's relationship with a holy, just and righteous God. (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13 ; Isaiah 59:2) And because God is holy and just, He must righteously judge those who sin against Him. (Romans 1:18; Nahum 1:1-6) The just punishment for our sin is to experience eternal separation from God in a place the Bible calls Hell. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 20:11-15)

Second, a person needs to recognize that God has offered a provision for mankind that would heal that separation and protect us from His judgment. God, while being holy and just, also equally loves mankind and desires us not to experience His judgment but to be rescued from it. (John 3:16) To accomplish this, God provided an escape from His judgment by becoming a human being in the person of Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1-3) As God, Jesus lived a completely sinless life and took upon Himself the penalty that our sin deserves. (2 Corinthians 5:21) He was willing to be judged on the cross in our place so that we could stand before God as innocent, our sins completely paid for and removed. (Colossians 2:13-14) Because Jesus died on the cross on our behalf, God is able to freely offer us His gift of forgiveness. (Ephesians 2:13; 1 Peter 3:18)

Third, a person needs to recognize that they need to receive God's free gift by responding in faith to what Christ has done for them. It's not enough to simply know, or even agree with these truths. True faith demands the action of humbly receiving what Christ has done for us by asking Him to save us. In doing so, we let go of trusting in ourselves to get to Heaven based upon our own achievements, and change to trusting in Christ alone based on what He has done for us.

A Christian is a person who has been freed from the enormous debt owed to God by accepting His free gift of forgiveness which is in Jesus Christ. When we trust in Christ, God changes us from the inside out, giving us the desire and the ability to follow Him. He gives us the Holy Spirit to lead us and teach us. And He introduces us to a new life that is everlasting.