RiverLife Fellowship

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]

Jesus tells us plainly that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Because Christ, the true light, lives within us, His light now shines through our lives. We are called to live in the world while showing a different way of life, bringing grace, truth, and hope into places that often feel dark.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade encourages us to embrace our calling to live as the light of the world wherever God has placed us.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Jesus taught in Matthew 24 that wars, global turmoil, and unusual signs are just the "birth pains"—signs that history is moving toward His return, though no one knows the exact day or hour. In Matthew 25, Jesus explains that the key preparation is cultivating intimacy with God—dwelling in His presence—so that when Jesus comes, we are watchful, faithful, and ready.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastors Matthew and Sarah Bollinger instruct us on living ready for the return of Jesus.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

It is believed that Psalm 139 was written around the time of David's sin with Bathsheba, perhaps after he had repented and experienced God's presence more deeply. In that moment, David realized something remarkable: even with his sins and failures, he was still precious to God. This reveals something valuable about the heart of God; before we get it right or wrong, His attention and loyal love are already resting on us.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker explores the depths of God's love for us through his intimate knowledge of us.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

True love initiates, demonstrates, and activates—and it moves us beyond judging behavior to listening to people's stories. Through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus calls us to radical compassion, challenging us to ask whether we avoid messy people, merely observe them, or truly enter into their pain. When we cry, "Give me Jesus," we are asking for His worldview—one that sees past altered behavior to wounded hearts and responds with mercy.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger examines Jesus' words in John 5:41–42, and reminds us that without God's love within us, out approval and even our ministry mean nothing.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

It would be really convenient if we could plan out all the steps of our life. But in reality, that rarely happens. As a side effect of our lives here on Earth, there will always be elements we cannot control. The question to be asked is: How will we react when life throws unexpected turns at us?   Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Cory Meade explores the story of Jacob and Rachel to see what lessons we can learn about the unexpected journey of life.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Let's embrace the Word of God, that as Psalms 119:105 quotes, "is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path." Releasing the Word of God into our situations, as we trust and believe God for what His Word declares as truth.   Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Esther Sarante encourages us to renew our minds everyday with His Word.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

What do we do when evil feels exposed and overwhelming? The facts of modern political corruption are not new. This was a world state that the Biblical authors were well aware of, though it may be challenging to us today. In the midst of our personal struggles with all that we see, we can look to the Biblical authors for examples of how to process our grief and anger, while trusting the one who declares, "Behold, I am making all things new."   Join us in Mooresville as guest speaker Sam Johnston teaches on Revelation 21:5, reflecting on present world events and grieving rightly through a Biblical lens.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

God speaks in different ways and through different types of words. Sometimes His word illuminates the whole path ahead, other times He simply lights our next step (Psalm 119:105). Yet at the center of it all is this truth, the Word and the Light ultimately lead us to a Person. When we're desperate for direction, Jesus often invites us deeper into His presence.    Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade encourages us to seek the Word of the Lord and discover that the light for our path is found in Him.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

God is love. He can be defined by 1 word: Love. God is love. That's who He is and what He's like. Put your eyes on Him and Him alone—no other prophecy, preacher, politician, or political party. In the middle of a broken and shaking world of suspicion, look to Jesus.    Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger discusses the three essentials of love: love initiates, love demonstrates, and love activates.    For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]  

In an era when algorithms greatly influence our thoughts, behaviors, beliefs, and daily routines, it is crucial to revisit the core of our relationship with God. We need to rely on our own relationship with God. We need to rely on our own Holy Spirit-led discernment rather than letting others decide for us, or we risk anchoring our lives on the unstable sands of worldly culture, every wind of doctrine, and popular Christian trend.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker warns us of the dangers of the many voices of the world, and encourages us to tune ourselves to God's voice.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

There is a tension in life that, as Christian, we need to pay attention to. There are times when we have been called and equipped to do certain things. There are other times when we really just need to get our of the Lord's way. In order to know when those times are, we need to be still before Him.   Join us in Wilmington as Pastor Cory Meade explores the relationship between silence and the Lord's call on our lives.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Join us in Chapel Hill for our next installment of the Voices of the Congregation series as our four speakers share how God gave them creative ideas for business and art. Hear how these ideas have transferred to Kingdom impact in their lives and communities.

God has intentions in His heart, with patterns for how spiritual life is designed and functions. What He does on earth comes from these heavenly patterns. Jesus is our heavenly pattern. Our lives are shaped by Him, not by the world. When knowledge, experiences, or ministry no longer draw us closer to Christ, we are only chasing shadows.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to live a life marked by the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.    For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

One of the most freeing truths of the gospel is that Jesus doesn't bring light to expose us for judgement, but to rescue us with mercy. While darkness thrives on fear, concealment, and shame, the light of Christ reveals a better way where mercy triumphs over judgement and grace meets us right where we are. Though we may choose to walk in the darkness, Jesus reminds us that we don't belong there. His mercies are new every morning, like the dawn breaking through a long night.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade encourages us to step boldly into the light of Jesus, receive the mercy He freely gives, and lives under the law of liberty where the light we fear is actually the light that frees us.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Darkness is easy to see in our world, and can quietly lure into our hearts. Even though Jesus stepped into our darkness so we would never have to live there (John 3:16–21), people often choose their own way over the Light and find themselves walking in darkness. The good news is that in Christ, we have been called out of darkness and into His marvelous light.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade calls us to choose the Light, walk in repentance and freedom, and live fully in the place we belong.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Your identity shapes your reality. The stories of Peter, Moses, Harriet Tubman, and Jesus all reveal the power of living from God's future, not from our past.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores how living from who God says we are—even before seeing it fulfilled—changes how you we act, think, and believe today.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Psalm 23 is a powerful psalm for today. It reminds us that being led results in fruitfulness and that honesty and surrender cultivate restoration. True success begins when we stop trying to control our lives and let the Lord be our Shepherd King. Essentially, Psalm 23 is David sharing how he lived, what sustained him, how he stood strong, and why he finished well.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to seek the shepherding hand of God, and to let Him lead us into comfort.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

From the opening moments of the creation of the world in Genesis 1, before the sun or moon existed, God established light, revealing not just what light is, but who the Light has always been: Himself. In Revelation 21, the story comes full circle as God once again is the light, illuminating eternity without need of sun or moon. Though God separates Himself from darkness, He never separates Himself from us. He is the Light who steps into the darkness so we never have to live there again.   Join us this week as Head Pastor Ryan Meade explores what it truly means that God is light and how He will always illuminate our lives.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Humility isn't weakness. It's a key that unlocks God's grace. Discover how a teachable heart, a renewed mind, and a surrendered life create room for God to heal, guide, and transform us from the inside out.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Pastor Sarah Bollinger unpacks a new side to Jesus' strength in our weakness.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

God is raising up the voices of the unseen in this hour. Those who are humble, willing to serve, and patient in waiting on Him. Your voice is important. Allow God to mold and protect it, and use it for His glory.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages us to not lose hope in seasons of pain and failing, because God still has use for us.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

There are countless voices in the world we live in trying to shape how we see ourselves and our lives. Through the parable of the good soil and the conversations that follow (Mark 4:3-25), Jesus helps us understand that what we choose to hear is so important to our ability to have productive and fruitful lives. When we listen to His Word, and take it to heart, it produces real, lasting fruit. The closer we listen to Jesus, the more we’ll understand, and the more we understand, the more we’ll receive.    Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade encourages us to prioritize the voice of Jesus above every other narrative that surrounds us.    For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

This year of 2026 is a year of wisdom & a year of revelation. James says, "If you need wisdom, ask." And, Wisdom is a person. It's the Spirit of Wisdom revelaed in Christ, Himself. Let's exhort one another and pray now for wisdom and revelation to be inmparted to us through the Holy Spirit.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger gives us an encouraging word to propel us into the new year.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

The Lord asked Moses, "What is in your hand?" (Exodus 4:1–5). Like any shepherd, Moses carried a staff to guide and protect the sheep. It was simply a tool for his everyday life. Nothing spiritual, just ordinary. Who you are and what you have may seem ordinary, but when placed in God's hands and used in obedience, it becomes more than enough—it becomes supernatural.    Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages you to take heart in your calling and giftings, and to let the Lord lead you in using them.

Join us in Chapel Hill for our next installment of the Voices of the Congregation as our three guest speakers share their revelation on God's Faithfulness, and how it impacts our lives.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]

Everything begins with a thought. A thought is like a seed that develops into understanding, and our understanding ultimately influences what we speak (1 Corinthians 13:11-12). Many things in life are either birthed or aborted by the words we speak.   Join us in Mooresville as Head Pastor Byron Wicker encourages you to seek the Lord's perspective on your life, and to let that be your guide post.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: [email protected]