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About
Riverfront
We are a progressive, Christ-centered church in Hartford CT. ur core conviction is that everyone belongs at the table.
Who We Are
We’re a small church with a big conviction.
Riverfront Family Church has been part of Hartford since 2008. We’re progressive and Christ-centered, which means we hold those two things together on purpose. Faith that takes Jesus seriously. Community that takes people seriously.
We’re fully egalitarian, fully affirming, and actively anti-racist — not as political positions, but as theological ones. We believe this is what the Gospel actually requires.
We’re part of the American Baptist Churches of America and American Baptist Churches of Connecticut (ABCCONN). We are also members of the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) and the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance (GHIAA). We’re rooted in Hartford. And we’re glad you’re here.
Our Story
Started with a vision. Still carried by it.
Riverfront was founded in 2008 by Rev. Nancy Butler and a small core team who believed Hartford needed a church that was both theologically serious and radically inclusive. She built something real here — a community shaped by intellectual honesty, deep faith, and worship that moves.
That vision is still the engine. The church has grown and changed, but the core hasn’t: follow Jesus, love people, ask honest questions, and join God’s work of making things right.
Rev. Nancy Butler
Leadership
Rev. Ben Dubow, MDiv, DTh
Ben has been part of Hartford’s fabric for years — as a pastor, a community leader, a chef, and a neighbor. He leads Riverfront bivocationally, which means he’s out in the city doing the work he preaches about.
He holds both an MDiv and DTh from Capstone University and a BA in Philosophy from UConn, and has served churches and organizations across Connecticut. He’s also the author of several books on faith, leadership, and identity. He currently serves as Executuive Director of Camp Wightman, a summer camp and retreat center, in Griswold CT.
Ben is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. Check out Ben's books here.
Rev. Ben Dubow
Get In Touch!
Get in touch so we can connect.
