"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt 5: 16

 Benevolence

Riverchase's benevolence ministry reaches out to others in our community, across the country and around the world.  Locally, we offer assistance to neighbors who may be between jobs as well as those affected by illness or other circumstances that threaten their well-being.  

Support is also provided to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief, based out of Nashville Tennessee.  This group is prepared to provide immediate results across the country in the event of a natural disaster.  Having provided thousands of dollars in assistance following the 1998 Birmingham tornado, we were so impressed with their response we wanted to be a part of their work

When Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras, Riverchase took the lead across the state in providing assistance to Por Los Nino, a children's orphanage in that country.  More than $50,000 in money and supplies was provided for people affected by that massive storm. Just as Jesus served God by helping others, various age groups participate in service projects throughout the year.  Care packages are prepared and delivered across the state by our youth.  Teens are involved in United Neighbors, which paints homes in Shelby and Jefferson Counties.  United Neighbors, a service effort by area churches of Christ, also provides food for hundreds of families at Thanksgiving.  In addition, we provide support to Rainbow Omega which provides homes and jobs for the developmentally handicapped. As our benevolence ministry continues to grow, we continue to seek those around us who may be in need.  We are dedicated to meet the needs of Riverchase members and neighbors who not only need to know the love of Jesus, but also seek the loving hand of His people to show their love in time of need. 

For more information see Bobby Thomas, the deacon who serve this ministry.

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Building and Grounds

The Building and Grounds ministry is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the church building and surrounding property.  God has blessed us with a wonderful building and location at Riverchase.  Our effort is to be good stewards of what we have been blessed with.  This includes building cleanup, lawn care, remodeling, parking lot upgrades, painting and refurbishing classrooms and hallways.  See our deacon  Glenn Savage for more information.

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College - Life@18:25

Our College Ministry  is a ministry for college aged adults (18-25) at Riverchase.  This ministry seeks to engage in areas of service, devotion, fun and fellowship while keeping God first in all of our activities.  Our desire is to strengthen our relationship with God by spending time with those of God's family that are going through a similar period in their lives. College years can be very hectic and frantic.  What better way to spend this time than to surround yourself with other Christians?  Our majors and occupations may differ, but our heavenly goal remains the same. 

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Education

We can all learn something, whether we're one year old or nearing 100 years old.  Riverchase Church of Christ offers Bible study classes from cradle roll age to senior citizens.  Each quarter, education deacons Scott Pruitt and Terry Pruitt develop interesting topics for study.  

The Riverchase Education Ministry believes the Bible is the inspired word of God and contains the revelation of His Will for man.  Because of this Truth, we are devoted to developing Bible knowledge and the wisdom to apply that knowledge in daily Christian living.  All areas of our Education Ministry (infants, preschool, primary, teens, college and adults) provide an opportunity to study God's word in an atmosphere of love and excitement from talented and dedicated teachers.  Our curriculum provides a good balance of the Old and New Testaments - from topical study to in depth book study.  All of which are intended to support the personal home study of our members.

Our teachers are charged with the responsibility of preparing each week's lessons to educate, enlighten and spiritually challenge their students.  A list of classes is posted on the tables as you walk into the church building and in the "When We Meet" section of our web site.  If you need help finding the class that's right for you or your children, feel free to ask one of the greeters stationed at each entrance.  We want you to take advantage of this opportunity to study the Bible.  If you would like more information, please contact either Scott or Terry.

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Evangelism

The Personal Evangelism Ministry at Riverchase exists to promote effective evangelism of the community around it.  Effective evangelism is a process that brings lost people into a saved relationship with Jesus Christ.  The sole purpose of this ministry is to fulfill the commandments of our Lord that were given in Matthew 28: 18-20; "And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'  Amen."

The basic goal is to provide a strategy to allow the Riverchase Church of Christ to experience evangelistic church growth.  To accomplish this we hope to exalt Jesus through our worship, equip the saints through training and Bible study, and evangelize the lost by following the principles set forth by the first century church - complete community coverage by involvement of the entire church in the evangelistic process.  If you would like more information, please see Harry Slaughter or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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 Least of These

When a person or family places membership with the Riverchase Church of Christ, it's an exciting time for the Riverchase family.  New members become part of our Least of These Group program, headed by deacon Adam Creel.  You'll be given a Least of These number, but you won't be thought of as just a number.  The mission of the Least of These Ministry is to keep the members of the church family faithful to the Lord while building a strong sense of belonging and closeness.  We currently have 10 small groups that meet on the second Sunday evening of each month.  The small group atmosphere is designed to encourage each other, communicate our blessings and to ensure our responsibilities of bearing one another's burdens.  As a part of this ministry, calling trees for each group are in place to provide an instant channel of communication when necessary.  If you would like more information, contact Adam Creel..

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Fellowship

Our Fellowship Ministry is a crucial part of our family here at Riverchase. Danny Fitts works to ensure all activities in our Family Life Center run smoothly and all kitchen facilities are available when needed.  Our Family Care Groups meet each quarter after Sunday evening services for a potluck dinner in the Family Life Center.  Danny is constantly available to be sure all utensils and facilities are made available and are cleaned and stored properly.  Numerous other functions are held regularly in our Family Life Center as well.  If you would like more information, please see either Greg or Danny.

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Finance

The Finance Ministry is the area responsible for the finances of the church.  While the elders are responsible for managing the church contribution and how the contribution is best utilized to teach and spread God's word, Roy Connell, and Bryan Parker serve in this Ministry area, acts as the church's accountant and bookkeeper.  The elders, along with all the other deacons must work closely with the Finance Ministry to ensure the contribution of the church members is utilized efficiently and effectively.  Roy issues payment for all approved expenses and tracks all of the church deposits and expenses at the direction of the elders.  He also prepares tracking reports for the elders which are also distributed to the entire congregation.  If you would like more information, please see Roy or Bryan.

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Involvement

The goal of the Involvement Ministry's purpose is to ensure that each member has an opportunity and is encouraged to be actively involved in the Lord's work here at Riverchase.  Each member has unique skills and interests that are a fit within the various ministries.  Our goal is to be aware of the needs of the different ministries and assist the ministry leaders in finding able members to work in those areas.  If you would like more information, please see Lance Rushing.


 

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Ladies Activities

There are many opportunities for ladies to serve and get involved at Riverchase.  Ladies Bible Class meets each Tuesday during the school year.  Once a month throughout the year, TOTS (Tuesday Opportunity To Serve) meets to stuff bears and enjoy a potluck luncheon.  The bears are donated to the Shelby Baptist Medical Center.  Two other programs are Ladies Welcome Home, which welcomes new members into the Riverchase family and Ladies Night Out which includes various activities from craft nights to game nights to a Christmas ornament swap.   The ladies also host Bridle Teas and Baby Showers for members of the congregation and their families.  Many decorating and serving items are maintained in the "Ladies Closet".  For a current inventory of the items available, please click on the link here:  Ladies Closet Inventory

If you would like more information about the Ladies Activities, please contact the church office.

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Live Wires

Live Wires is the part of the Riverchase congregation consisting of those 55 years old or above and/or retired.  This group also encourages anyone who is able at the time of any activity to participate with them.  The purpose of this group is to serve in any way possible and to provide fellowship activities.  Even though this is a senior/retiree group, those involved want to be active in doing the Lord's work as long as they are able.  They believe doing this together will bring them closer to each other and also serve as an outreach to the community when opportunities arise.

Some of the activities of the Live Wires include trips to various locations throughout the surrounding area.  Recent trips have included trips to the Mercedes Benz plant and to Blue Bell Ice Cream; a visit to the Birmingham Museum of Art; a tour of ABC 33/40; supporting as many congregational singings as possible - and dining at different locations.  Also, Live Wires helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity.  Live Wires also checks the cards and pencils in the pews each week.  A card ministry is also a part of this group.  A bulletin board in the lobby near the church office notifies Live Wires of current events, activities, and other information.  Please see Bob Winter for more details or send him an e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

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Missions

As has been mentioned in the Benevolence ministry, the Riverchase Church of Christ puts a lot of their resources into reaching out to those in need.  We feel mission work and benevolence go hand in hand.  Often before you can gain a brother or sister in Christ, you need to show them God's love.  Currently, Riverchase supports mission work being done in Brazil, Honduras, Scotland, India and Africa.  We have also provided funding for the Birmingham Inner City Ministry; help support a new church in Inverness, Florida; help support the Auburn Christian Student Center; and assist the Faulkner University Bible School.  We have also participated in the growth and education of a new minister, Alex Bayes (a former member here at Riverchase).  As you can see, there are many opportunities for work in the mission field!  See our missions deacons, John Kelley or Nathan Click, for more information.

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Visitation

The Visitation Ministry is a natural and perfect fit for new members.  There's a reason you chose this congregation as your church home.  We encourage you to reach out to the visitors who come our way to make them feel welcome and to tell them you recently placed membership.  You will have a positive influence on them as they decide on their new church home.   Another phase of our Visitation Ministry involves reaching out to those who have lost touch with our church family.  It is very often that when a member decides to stop coming to services, especially at large congregations, that people can "slip through the cracks" and not be given attention.  We should take the approach of Jesus when the one sheep out of the one-hundred went astray and the shepherd searched everywhere to find the one sheep that was lost.  

Visitation to the sick is another key area.  We want to encourage you to read through our weekly bulletin or our handout on Sunday morning and Wednesday nights.  If you cannot pay a visit to one of our sick, or if a visit is not appropriate due to the condition of the patient, write that person a note or call them to let them know you're thinking about them.  Visitation is an avenue of service every member of the congregation can be an active part in.  If you would like more information, please contact Harry Slaughter or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Welcome Home

Our Welcome Home New Member ministry seeks to make visitors and new members feel welcome at Riverchase!  It also assists members in integrating into the life and work of the Lord's church.  These goals are accomplished by a number of different activities in this ministry in addition to the efforts of individuals in other ministry areas.  Personal contact is made with each new member of our family.  We attempt to make sure that new members have some idea of the layout of the facilities and location of their mailbox; that they have received a church directory and any other information which they might desire or need to help them feel comfortable in their new church home - including details about any upcoming events they might be interested in.

The primary objective of Welcome Home is making sure that new members have opportunities to be invited into our members' homes for meals and fellowship.  Each Welcome Home team consists of three or four couples or singles who plan monthly get-togethers, to which new members are invited.  This provides an opportunity for new members to get to now more of our members here at Riverchase and begin to establish those relationships without which a new home just doesn't feel like home.  Please see the Ron Jackson for more details.

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Worship

Our Worship Ministry is responsible for ensuring all necessary functions required in the worship service are scheduled and assigned to our members.  Members volunteer to serve the church based on their own skills and talents and are assigned responsibilities during all of our worship services.  This responsibility might be a greeter at one of the entrances, an usher, to lead a prayer, or to help serve the Lord's Supper.   Deacons John Bearden, David Brown and Phillip Vines ensure that everyone who wants to serve has an opportunity and that they are scheduled and notified well in advance.  If you would like more information, please see either John, David or Phillip.

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Youth and Family

With more than 250 children from cradle roll to high school, Riverchase places a high importance on our youth.  Activities are offered for all age groups, with an emphasis on age appropriate spiritual, service and social opportunities.  Scripture is clear in its challenge to adults; teach, train and set a good example for our youth.  With so many children and teenagers, our challenge is great.  

Classes for all ages are offered on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.  Devotionals, retreats, summer camp, in-depth Bible studies and youth rallies are offered to encourage spiritual growth.  Beginning with third graders, Leadership Training For Christ (LTC) is offered to help our youth discover and develop skills which will help them grow in their relationship with God and each other. 

The annual trip to CACY (Central Alabama Christian Youth) Camp in Hamilton, Alabama occurs the week of July 4.

Just as Jesus served God by helping others, various age groups participate in service projects throughout the year.  Care packages are prepared and delivered across the state by our youth.  Teens are involved in United Neighbors, which paints homes in Shelby and Jefferson Counties.  United Neighbors, a service effort by area churches of Christ, also provides food for hundreds of families at Thanksgiving.  Special theme parties are scheduled during the year.  An annual Fall Festival provides family fun for all ages.  A family Christmas party has become a Riverchase tradition, complete with a visit from Santa Claus. A full calendar of activities is offered, not only for our youth, but for families as well.  Contact our Children's Ministor, Youth and Family Minister or any of our deacons concerning activities for our children and families.

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