WHAT WE BELIEVE

Everyone is welcome at RCC, even if you don’t believe what we believe or don’t know what you believe.

We believe the Bible is God’s Word and is the only adequate guide for living a Christian Life. The below statements summarize the emphasis and direction of RCC. Our teaching, culture, and direction are shaped and based on the foundational biblical beliefs below.

GOD

There is only one true God.  He is sovereign over all creation.  God exists equally in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  God is revealed to us through His creation, the Scriptures, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  God perfectly defines and expresses truth and love to us, desires relationship with every person.  

Matthew 11:27, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-4, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 John 4:16

JESUS

Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God, equal with God the Father and God the Spirit. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and was fully God and fully man. During His earthly ministry His miraculous acts, sinless life, pure and perfect teachings, and fulfillment of prophecy confirmed His Deity. While He experienced human emotions, physical sufferings, and temptations He acted completely in obedience to the Father. He died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father and is our High Priest and Advocate, and will return again someday to claim His own and take them to Heaven.

Matthew 1:22-23, John 1:1-3, Romans 8:3, Luke 4:21, Acts 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-7, Philippians 2:5-11

HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells every person from the very moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit produces new life in us and helps each believer to understand Scripture, discern what is right, and provides the strength to serve and obey God. The Holy Spirit’s influence becomes greater and more effective in us as we yield to His leading in obedience.

John 3:1-7, Romans 8:9-10, Ephesians 1:14, 4:30, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5

MAN

Man is (we are) made in the image of God to be like Him in character. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. All have sinned against God, and as a result, will incur not only physical death, but a spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Only God’s mercy and love for us, through Christ’s sacrifice, makes it possible for each of us to have our sins forgiven and a relationship with Him.

John 3:1, Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23

THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture or error. The Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Where it speaks, we listen and obey.

Psalms 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21

BAPTISM

The Greek word for baptism is: baptizo. The definition is: to be immersed, to be buried in, to dip, to be put under. We believe that authentic faith expresses itself in repentance – a purposeful “change in direction” and in immersion in Jesus’ name. Repentance is our sincere acknowledgement that God’s judgment against sin is just, and baptism, in water and Spirit, is our confession that Jesus saves us from sin.

Baptism is an act commanded by Christ and confirmed by the Apostles. The immersion into water connects the believer to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is a testimony of our faith. It is a public proclamation that we are a follower of Christ. In Baptism we are clothed in Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-39, Colossians 2:11-12; Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:26-29

SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ and God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as Lord of his life. This is evidenced by repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life committed to His service.

John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5

ETERNITY

People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Mankind’s eternal destination is solely determined by ones acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15

IN THE BEGINNING

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March 1, 2015

THE BEGINNING

River Christian Church, or RCC, first met at the Eagle Harbor Pool with eleven families, or approximately thirty people, in attendance. Our journey began with the belief that a New Testament church must have local leadership in order to properly minister to its members and community. We started with no lead pastor, no worship leader, and no prior organizational plan!

Average Attendance: 30

^
March 29, 2015

THE CEMETERY

Yes, our second location was a CEMETERY. Why? Because it was free! The owners of the Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery had been praying for God to reveal a way for them to use their business to grow his Kingdom and God answered that prayer in a mighty way and… untraditional way!

Average Attendance: 65

^
September 13, 2015

THE FUNERAL HOME

As RCC continued to experience explosive growth we needed more space and moved to the Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home. The same owners as the Cemetery continued to partner with us by allowing us to continue hosting services rent-free.

Average Attendance: 80

^
April 1, 2018

HAPPY EASTER!

Thanks to the generosity of Russell Haven of Rest we were able to bless our community financially while also saving money to purchase a building. We purchased the building formerly known as Wehner’s Dance Studio at 515 College Drive in Middleburg, Florida. Our grand opening was on Easter Sunday of 2018.

Average Attendance: 350

^
June 2, 2019

OPEN UP THE HEAVENS

Due to an unfortunate moisture issue (a fire sprinkler burst and it started raining in our worship center), we made an unexpected move to Saint John’s Classical Academy at 114 Canova Road in Fleming Island. 

Average Attendance: 500

^
August 18, 2019

CURRENT LOCATION

God has blessed us with a beautiful location big enough for us to continue growing and reaching our community for the Kingdom. Come worship with us at 5900 US-17 in Fleming Island.

Average Attendance: 1200+

HISTORY OF RCC

WHO WE ARE

River Christian Church or “RCC”, as we are referred to, is part of the Restoration Movement. This group was formed in the late 1700s to early 1800s, not in an attempt to reform any particular denomination, but rather in an effort to restore the “original” church of the New Testament.

Our journey began with the belief that a New Testament church must have local leadership in order to properly minister to its members and community. Eleven families began this journey on March 1, 2015, with no pastor, no worship leader, and no prior organizational plan.

Within four weeks we had incorporated and, through a series of God-ordained events, began to meet in a rent-free vacant building.  As it turns out the owners had been praying that God would use their vacant building for His Glory.

WHERE WE ARE HEADED

RCC is on a mission to see Clay County transformed. We believe that encountering the love of the Father, living in the power of the Holy Spirit, participating in the Kingdom mission of Jesus, and building the family of faith for continued growth is essential to becoming the people God has created us to be. 

OUR MISSION

WIN people, TRAIN believers, UNLEASH disciples

Every person is created in God’s image for purposes much larger than self. A disciple of Jesus is anyone who has left an old way of life to follow and become like Jesus in all areas of their lives. We believe that Jesus extends His invitation to become His disciple to every single human being in the world. At RCC, we want to create a welcoming environment for all people to encounter Jesus, TRAIN believers to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus and UNLEASH disciples into the world to WIN more people to the saving grace of Jesus.

OUR ELDERS

Tim Collins
Dennis Morrison
Tim Queen
Tony Rodriguez
Rick Wood

LIFE GROUPS

GROWTH TRACK

LifeGroups are an integral part of how we grow disciples at RCC. These small groups meet in various homes throughout the week and usually last less than two hours. LifeGroups are designed to have between twelve and fifteen people so that everyone has an opportunity to participate and connect with other members of the group.

FIND A GROUP

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SUNDAY

Toney

Darin & Elizabeth
10:00am | RCC | Young Married Couples | Childcare During Services

Hallam

Mike & Carol-Anne 
11:30am | Eagle Harbor

Queen

Tim & Carmen
5:30pm | Eagle Harbor

MONDAY

Pratt

John & Susan
6:30pm | Fleming Island 

Fedele/McMaster

Patty / Mike & Donna
7:00pm | St. John’s 

Loveland

Tommy & Christy 
7:00pm | Green Cove Springs

Queen

Tim & Carmen
6:30pm | Eagle Harbor 

Rodriguez

Tony & Lauralee
7:00pm | Oakleaf 

TUESDAY

Collins

Tim & Amy
6:15pm | Magnolia Point

Jones/Powers

Bob Jones / Joseph Powers
6:15pm | Fleming Island

Jordan/Pacilio

Josh & Karen / Mike & Jenn
6:30pm | Fleming Island 

Simpson

Travis & Christy
6:30pm | Fleming Island | Childcare Available

Byers

Jim & Debbie
6:30pm | Middleburg

Percival

Jeff & Marcy
6:30pm | Fleming Island

Powell

Carson & Megan
Married/Single (Age Group 25- 30’s)
7:00pm | Fleming Island/Green Cove Springs

 

WEDNESDAY

Krulish

Ken
10:00am | RCC 

Britt

Jeremy & Shannon
6:00pm | Fleming Island

Pacilio

Mike
6:30pm | Middleburg 

Yocum

Ilene
Women Only
6:30pm | Fleming Island 

Zombek

Stephen & Hannah
Young Adults (18-35)
7:00pm | RCC 

Gross

Ricky & Mary
7:00pm | Green Cove Springs | Childcare Upon Request

 

THURSDAY

Krulish

Ken
Senior Adults
10:00am | RCC 

Study Material

Material for LifeGroups is created and uploaded by RCC and is available for members and leaders below. While LifeGroups progress through study material at different paces, all groups study the same content directly from God’s Word.

JOIN A GROUP!

Complete the form below if you want more information about a specific LifeGroup. The leader will reach out to you within three days with more information and to answer any questions.

Growth Track
Growth Track is a four-step process to becoming fully engaged at RCC.

Welcome to RCC
Baptism
LifeGroup
Serve
Give

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Want More Information?

SERVE

GROWTH TRACK

While many churches hire staff to lead ministries and build programs, RCC believes that the Kingdom is better-served training and mentoring leaders who can then make a greater impact for the Kingdom through their workplaces, schools, and homes. 

Join A Serving Team

One of the best ways to take the next step at RCC to get connected with fellow believers is by serving. Whether your talents are teaching kids, greeting guests, singing songs, or operating a camera, we’d love for you to serve with us! Below is. list of many of the teams available for volunteers. If you are ready to take the next step complete the Volunteer Form.

Start Serving Today!

Volunteer
Let us know you're ready to take the next step in your spiritual journey AND make a difference in the community.

Growth Track
Want to learn more about how to grow spiritually and be more fully engaged at RCC?

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Guest Experience

Baptism Team

Leader: Tami Sanders

This team ensures the baptism process goes smoothly for both the believer and pastor by connecting with the individual and walking him/her through the process from beginning to end. Our volunteers then follow up with individuals after they are baptized to ensure they are getting plugged into a life group community at RCC. It’s an exciting privilege to walk alongside another as they make the decision to be baptized!

Cafe Team

Leader: Paul & Gina Ostrowsky

Snacks and beverages are offered during our Sunday services and many of our meetings throughout the week by volunteers who specialize in hospitality. Coffee, water, granola bars, and crackers are available weekly. This team also provides support for special lunches and events.

Communion Team

Leader: Michael Pacilio

RCC serves communion weekly during our Sunday services to all believers of Jesus Christ. This ministry team handles the preparation, distribution, and clean-up of communion as well as collecting tithes and offerings. Volunteers from students to seniors and are welcome to join our team.

Connect Team

Leader: Illy Track

First impressions can make or break the perception of a church, and our greeters take this responsibility seriously. As the first face someone sees at RCC, our volunteers have answers to questions and smiles on their faces to welcome anyone who comes through our doors.

Maintenance Team

Leader: Fred Track
This team is responsible for maintaining the church campus in a clean, usable and safe condition by performing regular inspections and maintenance of the church building and equipment. Work days are scheduled throughout the year to assist with major cleanup and refreshing of our property.

Parking Team

Leader: Chad Eason/John McBryde

Our parking team works to ease the stress and tame the chaos of the parking lot by directing traffic and maximizing parking areas during our Sunday services and large events. We strive to prevent frustrations in the parking lot that can distract from the worship of our God.

Prayer Team

Leader: John Pratt

A team of volunteers committed to seeking God’s direction and counsel in all things and to pray for our congregation, church, and community. Requests for prayer can be submitted on Connect Cards or by talking with a member of the team during Sunday morning services, or by sending an email to Pastor Nathan. All requests are handled with compassion and discretion.

Usher Team

Leader: Travis & Allison Salazar

This team is vital to the ministries of RCC as the initial point of contact for many of the people who walk through our doors. These volunteers are an extension of the unconditional love of Jesus Christ and performs a major role in helping to ensure people see and experience the love of Christ.

Kids

Kids

Leader: Maureen Knotts/Trish Klingenberg

RCC partners with moms and dads to help kids know God and His love for us, and develop a faith that is their own. The fruit of that faith and growth then is showing God’s love to others. Our programs meet kids where they are and help them discover God and his Word on their own level.

E3

Leader: Leeanna Trail/Mike Pacilio

It is our vision that each of our RCC Kids will learn in E3 to hold God’s word in their hearts and apply His truth to their daily lives. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) Through worship, bible study, interactive small groups, and a LOT of fun, children will dive deep into God’s word creating a firm foundation of faith to last a lifetime.

FIVE6

Leader: Carson Powell

A place for preteens to be understood and help transition from children’s ministry to junior high ministry. Leaders help to structure a ministry that bridges the child’s faith journey into young adulthood.

Students

REACH

Leader: Travis Eslinger

REACH is available to incoming 7th graders through outgoing 12th graders in the community and provides a secure environment to worship, learn, share, encourage, be encouraged, serve, and fellowship with other students.

GROW

Leader: Carson Powell

Our students gather weekly to GROW in their faith and friendships through studying scriptures, discussion, and games. 

Thursday Night Bible Study

Leader: Travis Eslinger

High School students gather weekly to build skills around studying scripture and for discussions relevant to their world and culture.

Outreach

Outreach/Missions Team

Leader: Carmen Queen

RCC is committed to expanding the Kingdom of God in our community, country, and abroad. Every member and attendee can automatically be involved in missions through prayer, service opportunities throughout our community, short-term mission trips, and giving financial resources.

Food & Friends

Leader: Dennis Morrison

Food & Freinds is a free family-style meal every Thursday night to help provide nourishment for the body and soul of Clay County. Food & Friends needs volunteers on a weekly basis as well as volunteers willing to provide the meal that will be served each week.

Weekly Services

Worship Team

Leader: Ty Caskey

Responsible for the music and flow of our Sunday morning services, this team works diligently to offer a distraction-free environment to anyone who chooses to worship with us at RCC. Volunteers participate in a rehearsal on one weekday evening, a pre-service run through and all services on Sunday mornings. Volunteers may also participate in additional events throughout the year including worship nights, team-building events, and Night of Prayer to name a few.

Production Team

Leader: Ty Caskey

This team strives to create an environment of worship and helps us to be excellent in all technical aspects of our services. Areas of service include Audio Engineer, Computer Graphics (CG, Slides, ProPresenter), Lighting Engineer, and Camera Operator. This team also oversees and produces Church Online for our RCC family tuning in from all over the world.

Volunteer Form

Fill out the form below to let us know you are ready to take the next step by serving at RCC!