The RiverThe River - Where Christ is our Passion and People are our Purpose

Changing A Generation

bsmith — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 01:47:42 +0000

God has called us to be Generation Changers at The River. We believe that He is giving us the blueprint to the vision. Together we want to build Strong Families. We want to be a Real Church. We want to form Genuine Friendships. We want to establish Good Role Models. And last, we want it all built on Absolute Truth. The truth that sets people free is the Gospel of Christ, and we want to live and share it with all that we are and all that we have. Generation Changers is not just an idea, it’s a Divine Mission and at The River we are answering the call!

Generation Changers

erhodes — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:31:47 +0000

Generation Changers is now off the ground. We are headed for the finish line right out of the starting blocks. The Vision is to create a place, to raise up people to serve, and to reach out to the children and youth or our community. Here are some immediate ways that you can get involved:

1. PRAY – Begin to pray for all aspects of this Vision. Pray that God will guide and provide as we exercise the faith to follow.

2. SERVE – Right now we need your energies in our Nursery Ministry. You can sign up for duty at the Connection Point and here’s what you can expect:

- A training session to get you acquainted with policies and procedures of service
- A brief form to fill out in order to run the required background check so that our children are always protected.
- Serving 1 service (that’s right one service) per month. If just a fraction of our congregation were to respond, just one service per month is all you would need to serve.
- This commitment is for 1 year and then you may re-enlist or look to another arm for ministry for service.

3. GIVE – No amount is too large nor too small, and 100% of what you give goes directly to this Vision.

- The Children are saving their coins
- The Kroger Card rebates are a great way to help.
- Most of all, respond as the Spirit moves you and give accordingly.

We are full steam ahead to raise a total of $100,000.00 to invest directly in Generation Changers. Very soon you will begin to see our facilities transform into a place that connects with the youth of our city. The good news is, by prayer, service, and giving, we all can play a part in the miracle of changing a generation with the Gospel of Christ.

September Newsletter

erhodes — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:19:09 +0000

September Greetings! This month marks the 8th anniversary of our rebirth as a church family. September 1, 2003 we came together on a Wednesday night for our first worship service. We had sixty-three people in attendance that night, we also filled the tiny stage, joined together in praise and worship, and looked to God’s word for inspiration and direction for the future. “Christ is our Passion and People are our Purpose” set the tone for the ministry. This journey together has brought us through times of great victory, blessing, and life changing experiences. Together we have weathered storms, overcome obstacles, built buildings, faced challenges, helped others, rejoiced, wept, prayed, labored, loved, and through it all, God has been working for our good. Today over 1000 people call The River their church home. But it’s not about how we have grown numerically, it’s about how many lives have been eternally changed in the process. Today I can say with full confidence that God is still up to something; this is a house of grace and mercy; we are a house of diversity in unity; and beyond that, “We’ve only just begun.” There are better days ahead of us and our community than what is behind us. Our heartfelt thanks and warm affection goes out to all of you who have helped to make the dream come true, and all glory belongs to God! I say, as did the Apostle Paul, “is one thing I do, forgetting that which is behind and looking forward to that which lies ahead, I press on toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Looking to the future,
Pastor Smith

SEPTEMBER 9 11

Senior Pastor Jerry P Smith

Administrator — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:32:42 +0000

Called of God to proclaim the gospel at the age of 16, Pastor Smith committed his all to follow Christ. From full time evangelistic ministry, he entered into pastoral responsibilities at the age of twenty-one. He spent the next twenty-six years in pastoral ministry in South Carolina, North Carolina and Ohio. During the decade of the nineties and up until July 2003, he served as State Overseer for the Church of God of Prophecy in Illinois/Wisconsin and also in Kentucky.

Pastor Smith says: “I have known since the spring of ’96 that it was God’s will for Joyce and me to minister in Nashville. Our desire was to accept the pastorate at The River as a divine appointment on September 1, 2003. The mandate from the Almighty was to build a house of grace and mercy that God could flood with healing waters. It is to be a Spirit filled house balanced with the authority of His Word and to provide pastoral care to the spiritual homeless of the greater Nashville area.

While some would look for security of assignment that leads to retirement, Joyce and I have embarked on the greatest adventure of faith of our entire ministry.”

The driving passion of Pastor Smith’s heart is to see the lost experience salvation and revival return to the church community. Brother Smith says, “I am convinced that this day is God’s gift to us, what we do with it is our gift to Him.”

Lead Pastor Barry P Smith

Administrator — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:44:45 +0000

Barry has spent his entire life in ministry. He began singing and playing music at the age of 3 and performed with the greatest Gospel groups in the nation. He has become an accomplished musician, songwriter, recording artist, and worship pastor. He is married to the most wonderful woman in the world, Kathy, and together they serve the Lord daily in ministry.

Although his love for music is strong, Barry is positive that God purposed him from a small child to preach and teach the gospel. His life’s goals are to love God, his wife and family, and then others according to the way that God has loved him. Next, he is committed to creating the atmosphere of worship, and delivering a powerful, compromised, relevant word that is filled with inspiration and life application.

Whether he is leading in worship or bringing an anointed word, Barry is committed to ministry with excellence that brings people closer to their God given purpose. His desire is to be a servant to the Lord and the people to whom he is called to minister.

Youth Pastor Kevin Rhodes

krhodes — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 22:15:59 +0000

Pastor Kevin comes to us from the mountains of West Virginia. He is a graduate from Lee University with his bachelors in Church Music. Kevin is currently in the final stages of completing his masters in Youth and Family Ministries from Lee University and will be graduating spring 2012. While at Lee, Kevin was active in ministry as a member of the Lee Singers, II Edition, and Lee Symphonic Band. These groups provided him the opportunity to minister in Brazil, South Africa, England, Scotland, and Wales.

During his summers in college, Kevin traveled to several youth camps ministering with II Edition and fell in love with youth ministry. Pastor Kevin has been serving in youth ministry for the past tens years of his life and is excited to lead our youth group RAPID.

In February 2011, he married his lovely wife Erica who shares the same heart to minister to youth, which was developed during several years of ministering with Master’s Commission. Together they are committed to investing into the lives of their students and sharing the love of Christ with the world!

Associate Pastor Jeff Cole

Administrator — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:45:45 +0000

Pastor Jeff Cole attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee where he met his wife, Lesa. Jeff and Lesa were married in November of 1979 and have three daughters; Michelle, Crystal and Tori. They have also been blessed with three grandchildren; Cole, Hailee and Elijah. Jeff and Lesa have been partners in ministry in every area they have served.

Jeff was Lead Pastor in Indiana for almost seven years where he also founded and ran a K-12 Christian school. Prior to his tenure in the state of Indiana, he pastored a church in Missouri. Pastor Jeff began his ministry as a Youth Pastor and continued working with young people and Christian Education for the next twelve years, serving on State Youth Boards in Indiana and Missouri and speaking at State Conferences and Youth Camps

Pastor Jeff Cole joined The River staff in April of 2011. He will soon complete his Masters in Pastoral Ministry, and plans to continue his education to receive his Doctorate Degree. Pastor Jeff Cole has been in ministry in some capacity for over twenty-five years. His passion is truly to see people grow in Christ, and find God’s designed purpose for their lives.

By the way, Pastor Jeff enjoys time with his family, Mt. Dew, Snickers, Butter Pecan Ice Cream, and golf on a sunny day!

July Newsletter

Administrator — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:10:06 +0000

Hey River Family,
As most of you know, our Senior Pastor is on vacation and enjoying a much-needed and much deserved rest. We are praying for him that he will come home revived in his spirit, soul, and body, and renewed in his desire to share the word and lead in God’s Kingdom. One of the things that makes a break like this possible for him is the fact that there is a team of people working together to serve and minister to our spiritual needs. We want to thank all of our team and pastor’s team members for their eefforts, energies, and excellence with which they serve. Kingdom service is not a one man show, it is a team effort. We want to take this opportunity to introduce the Pastor’s Team to you pictured above.
Kevin Rhodes is the guy on Sundays who says, “Hi, I”m Kevin. I’m the Youth Pastor here at the River.” He serves our young people and works with me on a great deal of church projects. Blake Belford is the guy with the bright smile. He is our new Worship Pastor. He
looks after all the music and worship related items and events. Jeff Cole is our Associate Pastor. He looks aft er Pastoral Care, serves as a counselor, and assists with
pastoral visits for those in the hospital or in need. He is presently overseeing and developing our children’s ministry as well. Of course the other two guys, Dad
and Myself, are always here to bring the word and serve the Lord by serving others. Dad and I are very proud of our new team of pastors and all the others who are serving in our local church. We encourage you to connect with these pastors and allow them to
serve your needs. We are praying that this team spirit will grip our hearts throughout our church and people will begin to work together, serving the Lord. Together Everyone Accomplishes More. God Bless you!

~ Pastor Barry

River Newsletter July 2011

Worship Pastor Blake Belford

Administrator — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:29:35 +0000

Blake is the Grandson of a Pastor and grew up in church where he was involved with music as a child. It was there that he developed a love for music and a heart for worship. As he matured spiritually and musically, his heart for God and love for music increased immensely. Over the years he became a self-taught musician playing a variety of instruments including drums, guitar, and piano. After high school he set out to prepare himself for his life’s calling and in 2010 he graduated from Belmont University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. Today he is an accomplished musician, singer, and songwriter with a mission to share the message of Christ through the medium of music.

Blake joined the River Ministry Team in 2010. He is known for creating an energy filled environment that makes for a unique worship experience for everyone. He is committed to the call of Christ and is being used to reach today’s audience with a melody straight from God’s heart. He is presently engaged to be married to a wonderful young lady who shares his heart for God and his call to ministry. He loves hanging out with his fiancé and of course making music with his friends. There’s one thing for sure; He is gifted and anointed to lead people into an amazing worship experience every time he steps on stage and always gives God all of the Glory.

Countdown To Pentecost

Administrator — Thu, 12 May 2011 04:18:30 +0000

This Wednesday Pastor Barry will continue the Wednesday night series entitled, “The Countdown To Pentecost”. This week, “The Call To The Kingdom” is our topic.

We’ve talked about Jesus ‘taking care of business’ in our lives. Now it’s on to the mission that He has for us in the earth.

Next week we will begin talking about the Holy Spirit and then, just before Pentecost Sunday, we will look at the subject, “Between the Lighting and the Thunder”.

Don’t miss this empowering series on the subjects taught by Jesus His last 40 days on earth.