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- Pastor Ben
- Sep 8
Learning from the Way of Jesus
A new series at Riverfront Family Church — starting in October
What does it look like to follow Jesus in a season of rising fear, polarization, and Christian nationalism? This October, Riverfront Family Church is launching Resist. Learning from the Way of Jesus—a journey through Luke–Acts that invites us to practice courageous, nonviolent love in public.
Why “Resist”?
In Scripture, resistance isn’t rage; it’s faithful love that refuses to dehumanize. Jesus announces good news to the poor, release for captives, sight for the blind, and a year of Jubilee (Luke 4). The first Christians turn the world “upside down” with mercy, truth, and table fellowship (Acts). We’ll ask: What does that look like here and now?
What to expect (Sundays in October)
Clear, hope-filled teaching from Luke–Acts (9th-grade reading level; accessible to friends of all faiths or none).
Real stories of resistance—Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer and Bayard Rustin, Dolores Huerta and César Chávez, Bryan Stevenson and more.
Practice the Way each week—simple actions you can try at home, at work, and in the neighborhood.
Home Gatherings, Small Groups & Book Clubs
Alongside Sundays, there will be material for use within our Home Gatherings, for small groups, and for book clubs.
The heartbeat: Hospitality · Peace · Healing
Hospitality: Belonging at the table—stories, meals, and welcome across difference.
Peace: Nonviolent action, truth-telling, and public good news.
Healing: Prayer, healthy boundaries, and care that restores.
A taste of the series
Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1): Singing hope before the evidence.
Nazareth Manifesto (Luke 4): Good news that touches budgets, laws, and lives.
Good Samaritan (Luke 10): Neighbor love that crosses lines.
Mars Hill (Acts 17): Reasoning with calm courage in a noisy world.
Ephesus (Acts 19): When good news “upsets” unjust economics—without dehumanizing anyone.
Who is this for?
Skeptics, seekers, long-time believers, the curious and the cautious. If you’ve been hurt by church, if you’re longing for a faith that heals and does good, or if you want practical ways to love your neighbors in hard times—this is for you.
How to jump in
Join us Sunday, October 5th (series launches).
Start a Group or Book Club email ben@riverfront.church
Invite a friend who’s looking for hope with a backbone.
Series tagline: Resist is not against people; it’s against the powers that harm people—and it looks like Jesus.
Questions or want to RSVP? Reply to this post and we’ll get you the details for dates, group options, and the weekly “Practice the Way” guide.
- Admin
- Sep 14, 2023
Crafting Inspiring Worship Experiences for Our Community
Dear Creative Worship Planning Team,
Welcome to a dynamic and creative ministry role within Riverfront Family Church. Your role as part of the Large Group Creative Worship Planning Team is instrumental in shaping our monthly corporate worship experiences. Together with the pastors, you'll design and execute engaging, spiritually enriching services that encompass music and the arts, teaching and preaching, sharing and testimonials, silence and reflection, prayer, communion (monthly), and baptisms (as needed). Here are the expectations and responsibilities for your team:
1. Collaborative Creativity:
Collaborate with your team members and pastors to brainstorm and design worship experiences that inspire and engage our congregation.
Encourage the exploration of creative elements such as music, visual arts, drama, and multimedia to enhance the worship atmosphere.
2. Monthly Meeting Commitment:
Commit to regular meetings, at least monthly, and additional meetings as needed, to plan and coordinate upcoming worship services.
Come prepared to share ideas, feedback, and insights to ensure the services align with our church's vision and mission.
3. Worship Element Coordination:
Be responsible for coordinating specific elements of the worship service, such as music selection, art displays, or testimonial opportunities, ensuring a cohesive and impactful service flow.
Work closely with relevant individuals (musicians, artists, speakers, etc.) to ensure smooth execution.
4. Spiritual Depth and Diversity:
Strive to infuse each service with spiritual depth and diversity, catering to the varied needs and preferences of our congregation.
Encourage a balance between tradition and innovation to reach a wide audience.
5. Communion and Baptism Preparation:
Assist in the preparation and execution of monthly communion services and coordinate baptisms as needed throughout the year.
Ensure that these sacramental moments are conducted with reverence and meaning.
6. Fellowship and Community Building:
Consider ways to incorporate fellowship and community-building opportunities into our worship services to strengthen the bonds among our church members.
Plan for post-service gatherings or activities when appropriate.
7. Attention to Detail:
Pay close attention to the details that enhance the worship experience, such as lighting, sound, visuals, and timing, to create a seamless and engaging service.
8. Adaptability and Innovation:
Be open to adapting plans as needed and embracing innovative ideas to keep our worship experiences fresh and relevant.
9. Feedback and Evaluation:
Regularly seek feedback from the congregation and team members to assess the impact and effectiveness of worship services.
Be willing to make adjustments and improvements based on feedback.
Conclusion: Your role as part of the Large Group Creative Worship Planning Team is essential to nurturing the spiritual growth and connection of our congregation. By collaborating, creating, and executing inspiring worship experiences, you contribute significantly to the vitality of our church community.
