RiverLife Fellowship

We all know what it's like to get caught in the cycle of wanting to do what's right, only to find ourselves falling back into the same struggles. In Romans 8, Paul reveals that true freedom comes through the power of the life-giving Spirit. With the power of the Spirit we can walk confidently as adopted sons and daughters, free from condemnation.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade continues his series in Romans by unpacking what it means to live by the Spirit.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The Christian life doesn't revolve around moving from dependence to independence. Rather, it motes from spiritual immaturity to walking in partnership with God. Jesus' grace invites us into the Kingdom, while the Father's love shapes our identity. The Holy Spirit's fellowship leads us to live as sons and daughters who faithfully steward and partner is what is God's.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker invites us to consider what God has given us, what He plans for us, and how we may better steward our piece in His plan.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

As we celebrate independence, it's easy to believe that freedom comes from relying on ourselves. But in Romans 7, Paul reveals a surprising truth: the Christian life isn't about trying harder or becoming better through our own efforts. The law exposes our need for Jesus, but only a life of dependence on Him brings true freedom from sin, shame, and striving.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade continues this series in Romans by exploring what it means to live in freedom that comes from complete dependence in Jesus.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The resurrection of Jesus isn't just the foundation of our faith, it's the power that makes the entire Christian life possible. Everything Paul has taught about maturity, unity, spiritual gifts, and love depends on one historical event. Christ is risen—and because he lives, everything He promised is possible.    Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger concludes his series on 1 Corinthians with an exultant proclamation that Christ is risen!   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Every one of us will face rivers we have never crossed before. Some are joyful, some are painful, and some are unexpected. But every river has one thing in common. God already owns both sides. He is not surprised by what is happening in your life. He is not pacing on the opposite shore, wondering whether you'll make it. He is already there, preparing the way for you.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to trust the path God has laid before us and to leap into the River in faith.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

As followers of Jesus, it's easy to slip into thinking we have to earn God's approval through our own efforts. Yet, Romans reminds us that the purpose of the Law was never to save us, it was to reveal our need for a Savior. God's grace has always pointed us toward faith in Jesus, and why freedom is found not in self-reliance, but trusting Him completely.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade shares a brief message which helps us discover the freedom that comes through faith alone.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Scripture reveals that praying in tongues strengthens the believer, deepens our intimacy with God, helping us pray according to His will, and lifting our hearts towards the realities of heaven. This heavenly gift can renew out spiritual lives and draw us closer to the presence of God.   Join us in Chapel Hill for the next installment of the series through 1 Corinthians as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores why this gift of the Holy Spirit is far more than a misunderstood spiritual practice.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Many believers struggle when seasons change. We often cling to a role, a title, a ministry, or to how God previously used us. When those things change, it can feel like we've lost something vital. It's important not to get stuck in a past season, because our identity isn't based on what was. The Holy Spirit encourages us to stay open and ready for new assignments that come our way.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to make ourselves available to the Lord and to see where He leads us.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Many of us find ourselves stuck in cycles of sin, bad habits, and frustrations, focusing on our failures and trying harder to overcome them. But Romans reminds us that through Jesus, grace now reigns where sin once ruled. Because the power of sin has been broken, we are free to live a new life marked by holiness and righteousness.   This week, Head Pastors Ryan and Mary are on a missions trip to Mexico, so join us for a brief encouragemen for the next installment of the Romans series.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

There is a powerful tension in Scripture: We are called to remember God's works, but not to live in them. Isaiah captures this beautifully: "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new..." (Isaiah 43:18–19). The problem is not remembering God's faithfulness or even the difficult times, but trying to live there. Graveyards are not meant for the living to make a home.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to step out of the things God was doing and move into what He is doing.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Faith in Christ is not a life without disappointment. Our hearts long for fulfillment, and the promises of Scripture for healing, provision, and abundance sometimes build anticipation towards a certain end. God's timing is not our own, but even when we feel disappointed by an outcome that we were hoping for not coming to be, we can trust that He will be glorified in the end.   Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Andy Squyres encourages us to not let unmet expectations diminish our hope and trust in Christ.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

We've been given the gift of being reconciled to God, made right by the sacrifice of Jesus. In that gift is an opportunity to give some of that inheritance to the people around us.   Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Trey Burke continues this series in Romans with a message unpacking Romans 5:1–18.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In a world overflowing with information, God still speaks words that bring strength, encouragement, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14 explores the purpose of New Testament prophecy, how it reveals the heart of God, why it must be tested, and how its ultimate goal is to point people to Jesus.    Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger continues his series on Corinthians by exploring how the Holy Spirit moves beyond mere information to bring personal revelation that strengthens faith and transforms lives.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

All of us have fallen short of God's standard, and no amount of good behavior, religious effort, or trying harder can make us right with Him. The good news is that we have a loving Father that made a way through faith in His Son, Jesus.   Join us in Wilmington for the next installment in his series on Romans as Head Pastor Ryan Meade shows us how God's grace meets us in our greatest need, offering right standing with Him through faith alone.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Paul reminds us that without love, even the most impressive gifts and acts of service lose their eternal value. Spiritual gifts may reveal the power of the Holy Spirit, but love reveals the character of God.    Join us in Chapel Hill for the next installment of his series on Corinthians as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger teaches us why love is the foundation of Christian maturity and the defining mark of a church that truly reflects Jesus.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

As we walk through the hardships of this life, the Lord reminds us that He is the provider of all good things, and that He has not forgotten us. Once we have tasted that goodness, it becomes an anchor for us to continue the walk. Even in the hard times, we can remember that the Lord is good, and we can know that nothing else will compare.    Join us in Mooresville as guest speaker Kathy Campbell reminds us that the Lord is not done doing good things, and that is cause for celebration.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The book of Romans is one of Pau's most rich and influential letters, revealing the power of the gospel to transform lives and unite God's people. To begin our summer journey through Romans, we explore the background of Paul's letter and dive deeper into how he was sold out to Jesus and sent out in his calling.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade kicks off this new series on Romans with an outline of the foundational truth which runs through the entire letter: we are made right with God by faith from start to finish.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In Jeremiah 2, God contrasts the Fountain of Living Water with the broken cisterns we often build through self-effort, religion, and striving. As the pressures of the age increase, this message offers a refreshing call back to the source of life itself: Christ in you, the hope of glory. The answer is not doing more for God, but simply being with Him and allowing His life to flow through you.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Pastor Becky Wicker reminds us that God’s invitation is not to work harder but to cling to Christ, drink deeply from His grace, and find renewed strength, healing, and fresh purpose in His presence.     For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Truths about transformation: What you worship shapes you, what you behold transforms you, and what fills you flows from you. The Father loves you as you are, yet He is committed to transforming you into the image of Jesus. In His Kingdom, you never retire from purpose. You are re-fired for greater impact in the Father's hands.    Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker warns us against allowing the world—or our flesh—to dictate who we become.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]    

There is a strong Biblical precedent for remembering the things the Lord has done for us. Our testimony—rooted in remembering what the Lord has done in our lives—gives us steady ground to stand on, and allows us to be effective witnesses to the nations on behalf of Christ, as we are called to do.   Join us in Wilmington as Pastor Cory Meade explores the relationship between remembrance, testimony, and evangelism from a Biblical context.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds the church that spiritual gifts were never meant to create competition, comparison, or division—they were given to build up the Body of Christ. Pentecost is a time to remember how the Holy Spirit empowers every believer with unique gifts.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger continues his series on Corinthians with a message calling us to unity, mutual honor, and a shared mission so that together we can reveal Jesus to the world.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The Book of Ephesians emphasizes identity, spiritual growth, and the Church as God's living household. It highlights the Church's ultimate purpose, showing that it's not just a building for gathering but a community being shaped into His dwelling. God's heart is for us to grow into a community that values His presence more than any performance or agenda.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to lean into relationship with Christ, the author and finisher of our faith.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

So many of us are weary from carrying burdens we were never meant to hold—pressure to perform, fear of failure, striving, anxiety, and self-reliance. But Jesus reveals that the kingdom belongs to the humble, teachable, trusting heart of a child. There is an invitation to lay down what's exhausting you, return to intimacy with the Father, and rediscover the rest that comes from living as sons and daughters.   Join us in Wilmington as Pastor Mary Meade dives back into Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:25–30 to find rest through childlike dependence on the Father in this expansion on last week's message.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Looking at Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, we uncover three primary areas of temptation—flesh, fear, and compromise—and discover how trusting God, anchoring ourselves in our identity in Christ, and walking in obedience leads to lasting victory. Paul's powerful promise is that temptation is common, but God is always faithful to provide a way out.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger continues his series in Corinthians with a warning against spiritual compromise and a hopeful reminder in the strengthening in victory over temptation from 1 Corinthians 10.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In an era filled with countless voices vying for attention, the Holy Spirit offers a golden sword. He desires to place His words in our mouths, as He did with Jeremiah the Prophet (Jeremiah 1:9). This sword symbolizes authority that comes from intimacy, brokenness, and surrender. It serves as both an invitation and a warning. Before we can be trusted with it, He must first carve id deeply in our hearts.   Join us at the park in Mooresville with a brief word from Head Pastor Byron Wicker, inviting us to find the work the Lord has given you.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In the midst of our busy lives, weariness can quietly become normal. In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus offers a different way—not freedom from responsibility, but the invitation to come to Him, work with Him, and find true rest for our souls. Jesus meets weary people with rest, and teaches us how to labor differently.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade invites us to live yoked to Jesus instead of carrying life alone.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

If we refuse to learn from the past, we are destined to repeat the same cycles of compromise, immaturity, and unbelief. Through the stories of Israel's wilderness journey, the faith legacy of Timothy's mother and grandmother, and honest reflections from life. God preserved Scripture and the testimonies of the faithful so that we could grow into spiritual maturity, walk in live, and trust in the faithfulness of God.   Join us in Chapel Hill for Mother's Day as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores Paul's warning to the church in the fourth part of his series on Corinthians.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

There is a seemingly random episode in the Gospels where Jesus suddenly turns to the disciples and tells them to beware the "leaven of the Pharisees." It's anything but random, though. Jesus is warning them to watch out for hardening their hearts against the Kingdom. We see the disciples do this frequently when they rely on their own ability to provide. We can easily be like the disciples in this way. The good news is that there is heavenly leaven that we can go after!   Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Cory Meade encourages us to allow the leaven of Heaven to infect every area of our lives, rather than the leaven of the world.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Beneath the surface "thieves" are often robbing us of the full life Jesus promises. The good news is that through His resurrection, Jesus offers us abundant life now (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:4–5; John 10:10), empowering us to recognize and resist the subtle things that steal our joy and peace.    Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade explores how to identify the "little foxes" in our lives and step into the fullness Jesus has already made available.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Where are all the fathers? Through Paul's example, we're called to plant, water, and build lives on the foundation of Jesus, investing intentionally in others. This is a discipleship deeper than influence, into something more formative. The question, then, isn't just where the fathers are—it's whether we're willing to become them.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger continues his series in Corinthians with a challenge to a culture full of choices but lacking true spiritual fathers.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The story of Elisha on his deathbed and King Joash in 2 Kings 13:14–19 feels strikingly close to where the Church is today. It conveys a sense that a spiritual era is coming to a close and another is beginning. Honoring what God has done is essential, but this story poses a deeper question. Will we value what God has done and still hesitate when He invites us forward?   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to look at what we can do in the now while waiting on the next move of God.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In a world that celebrates human wisdom, 1 Corinthians 2 reveals how believers are called to think differently—with the mind of Christ. Discover four powerful ways to move beyond fear, self-doubt, and natural thinking into a life led by the Spirit; grounded in God's power, discernment, and eternal perspective.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger continues his series in Corinthians with an encouragement to trust what God can do through you.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

"Now" is a weighty word in the New Testament. It appears repeatedly, especially in the Gospels and Acts. Often, "now" points to fulfillment. A favorable time. A day of salvation, healing, and deliverance (2 Corinthians 6:1–2.) Life with God is always lived in the present. We cannot live in the past, nor are we called to wait for the future.    Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker explores the invitation to recognize God in the now and step into the grace being offered.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In the very center of His sermon on the mount, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. Over the years, the Lord's prayer has become wrote liturgy. But, there is fresh life in those words for any who have felt their prayers lacking clarity, authority, or connection to the Father. It is not simply a prayer—it's a framework for how to live.   Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Sam Johnston unpacks Jesus' teaching on prayer to reveal how it forms a complete pathway for the Christian life.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Recognizing and stewarding the voice of God in everyday life—through Scripture, impressions, and quiet moments of listening, is a skill which will be increasingly important for the followers of Christ in the modern age. As we learn to "turn aside" and give God our attention, we position ourselves for deeper revelation and greater spiritual fruitfulness.    Join us in Chapel Hill as Jenn and Jamie Forte unpack practical ways to grow in hearing God clearly, removing common barriers like distraction and neglect, and responding with obedience, humility, and patience.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water." (Jeremiah 2:13). The world is ravished with information, love of self, and love of pleasure. These are all fountains that we find ourselves turning to instead of God to get our fill. These cisterns cannot hold water and will not satisfy us. Only God Himself is the source of life. What are we drinking from that holds no water?   Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Becky Wicker exhorts us to turn our hearts back to God to drink from the Fountain of Living Water that will never run dry.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In I Samuel 3, we see Samuel called into the unknown as he learns to recognize and respond to the voice of God. What causes real change in our lives isn't external pressure, but a surrendered heart. When we stop holding on to our lives and place them fully in God's hands, we find the courage to step into the things he's called us into.   Join us in Wilmington as Meghan Merritt, COO of the YMCA of Southeastern NC, shares the rich Christian history and mission of the YMCW, and Jeremy Hardy, Executive Director of the Midtown YMCA, connects the calling that birthed the YMCA 175 years ago to an invitation for each of us to say yes to the Lord in our own lives.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The church in Corinth was messy, divided, and full of issues—just like many families today—but Paul reminds us that Jesus still deeply loves His Bride.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger begins a series on Corinthians by exploring how trading the world's "wisdom" for the power of the cross brings us into the holiness and unity we were made for.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Throughout his epistles, Paul refers to a life following Christ as a kind of walk. This concept is built on a well-founded tradition set out in the Old Testament as a path God has laid out for His servants. It may seem harsh or restricting, but the reality of the path God has laid out for us is that it allows us to fully live in the glory God has created us for.   Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Cory Meade explores the nature of the Christian Walk, and how we can choose to follow Christ even in the face of cultural tension.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

John 20 explores by Christ's victory breathes life into dead situations. It restores broken family dynamics and invites us into a brand-new, intimate relationship where we are no longer just servants, but brothers and sisters of the King.   Join us for Resurrection Sunday in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores how the resurrection of Jesus both conquers the grave and provides the ultimate revelation of God as our Father.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Two meals in the Bible have significantly impacted human history. The first, in Genesis 3, introduced separation, shame, fear, and death, as humanity became aware of itself outside of God. Later, after Jesus' resurrection, in Luke 24, a different meal at the village of Emmaus took place, offering people the chance to see Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior with their own eyes.   Join us for Resurrection Sunday in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker reflects on the encounter of the disciples in Emmaus and what it is to know Christ.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Mark tells us about how Jesus orchestrated his entry into Jerusalem to clearly fulfill Old Testament scriptures from Zechariah, Genesis, and Psalms (Mark 11:1–10). He showed clearly that He was and is King and Messiah, but he came in a surprising way—just as he often does in our lives.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade and guest Sean Meade discuss the meaning of this rich passage in Jesus' time and ours.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

True worship is never cheap—it costs us something, fills our lives with the fragrance of Heaven, and shapes us to die to ourselves so that Christ's life can be revealed in us. As Jesus enters Jerusalem as King, we are invited to examine our own response—religious, disappointed, or prophetic—and to pour out our lives in wholehearted devotion to Him.   Join us for Palm Sunday in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores the power for extravagant worship through the story of Mary pouring costly perfume on Jesus' feet.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Sometimes we give everything—our time, strength, prayers, and love—only to feel that there are no results, just spilled out effort. On a dark hill outside Jerusalem, the Son of God quietly said, "I thirst," and in that moment, His life was poured out; not wasted, but given. Whatever you hold, whatever seems expensive or might be lost, offer it to Him. There is no waste in the Kingdom.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to give what we have the the Lord, and trust in Him to fulfill our desires.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

With the changing technological world, it feels like it's becoming increasingly harder to identify what's true and what is not. There is good news, though. Jesus is the person of truth, and has a partnership with the word of God and the Spirit of Truth so that we have the tools at our disposal to combat the lies of the enemy.   Join us in Wilmington as Pastor Cory explores the effect the truth of Jesus can have on our daily interactions with life.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Grace is more than forgiveness—it's the reigning power of God that shapes our identity, establishes our position, and empowers us to live transformed lives. When we walk in that grace, we can step into the fullness of who God has called us to be.   Join us in Chapel Hill as guest speaker Sam Johnston unpacks grace not only frees us from sin but teaches, strengthens, and sustains us in daily life through Christ.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

As we look to the days ahead, the essential focus remains His voice. We are naturally attracted to that commanding, majestic sound which breaks through and demands attention, as described in Psalm 29:4–9. However, we also require the quiet, steady voice that keeps us grounded, guided, and fruitful (Psalm 19:1–3).   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to seek the still, silent voice of God in our lives, and to set our paths by it.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

What happens when we truly look at Jesus, and allow Him to look at us? When we fix our gaze on Him, our perspective shifts, our identity is restored, and our hearts are awakened to His love. Discover the invitation to see the One who sees you.   Join us in Wilmington as Pastor Mary Meade explores the powerful reality that God is El Roi, the God who sees.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

In Moses' final message to Israel, he reminds them that every generation, including us, faces a choice between life and death, blessing and curse. From the two trees in the Garden to the choices we make today, the question remains the same: will we live from the Tree of Life - grace, love, and Christ’s finished work, or from the tree of knowledge, striving to be right in our own wisdom?   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger invites us to choose life by fixing our eyes on Jesus and walking in the love of God.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Power reveals a person's true nature. When power is used for control, manipulation, or personal desires, questions are silenced, curiosity is discouraged, and organizations are protected at the expense of people. But the way of Christ is different. In His kingdom, love governs power. And when love controls power, authority becomes a means to serve, not to rule.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker confronts the nature of human failure and encourages us to be humble and gracious in the face of it.    For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]