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- Pastor Ben
- Sep 8, 2025
What Healing Is—and Isn’t
Healing is God’s will—because wholeness is God’s heart. Scripture paints God as the One who “heals the brokenhearted” (Ps. 147:3), binds up wounds (Isa. 61), and in Jesus brings good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed (Luke 4). Catholic priest Francis MacNutt spent his life reminding the church that healing prayer sits at the core of the gospel. God delights to heal—often, and in many ways—even as we honor the mystery when we don’t see what we hoped for.
Healing is multi-dimensional. In Mark 5, the woman doesn’t only get a medical miracle. She’s restored to community. Her shame is named and lifted. She becomes “Daughter.” That’s spiritual, emotional, social. That’s shalom.
Healing doesn’t erase scars; it reframes them. Thomas meets the risen Christ by touching wounds (John 20). Scars can become testimonies, not open wounds. Some relationships won’t be “fixed,” but you can be reconciled to reality, grieve what was lost, and live forward with wisdom and boundaries. That’s real healing.
Healing sometimes looks like endurance, wisdom, and new limits. Paul’s “thorn” didn’t vanish; grace met him in it (2 Cor. 12). Sometimes the deepest healing is courage, clarity, and community in the midst of the thing that doesn’t change.
Ultimate healing is promised—but not always on our timetable. Revelation ends with “the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22). Sometimes the final healing arrives in God’s presence. We say that with tenderness and hope, not as a cheap answer.
- ben2297
- May 11, 2025
As our Riverfront Family Church community continues to grow and thrive, it’s that special time of the year again! We are excited to announce our Annual Membership Covenant Renewal—a meaningful opportunity for current members to reaffirm their commitment to our church family. If you’re new or searching for a spiritual home, this is a fantastic time to join us on this journey.
The Heart of Membership
Membership at Riverfront Family Church is more than just a title; it’s a commitment to come together as believers, support one another, and actively engage in our mission of spreading love and hope. Our church is built on faith, community, and service. When you choose to be a member, you are making a choice to embody these values.
Being a member means more than just attending services; it’s about engaging deeply in the life of the church. Membership opens doors for personal growth, spiritual development, and various service opportunities. For instance, last year, 60% of our members participated in at least one community outreach program, helping over 150 local families in need.
A Committed Community
When you join us, you are part of a community that shares your values. You will find support, friendships, and opportunities to create positive change in the world around you. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or participating in faith-based discussions, your involvement makes a difference.
Why Renew Your Membership?
If you are already a member, renewing your covenant is a great way to reflect on your journey over the past year. It’s a chance to recommit to your spiritual growth and reconnect with your Riverfront Family. This annual renewal allows you to review how you’ve engaged with our church community and how you want to participate moving forward.
Moreover, renewing your membership provides you with valuable insights into our church's vision and goals for the coming year. Last year, 85% of renewing members reported feeling more connected and engaged after reflecting on their commitment.
A Moment to Reflect
Before proceeding with renewals, take a moment to think about your experiences at Riverfront Family Church. Ask yourself:
How have your faith and friendships deepened?
What new ministries or initiatives have you actively contributed to or participated in?
These reflections can guide you in expressing your renewed commitment.
New Members Welcome!
For those curious about joining our Riverfront Family, this is your moment! Whether you’re new to our community or looking for a place where you belong, we invite you to explore what membership means with us.
Joining Riverfront Family Church means becoming part of a loving, vibrant community that values diversity and welcomes everyone. Our new members bring unique perspectives and talents, enriching our congregation’s experiences and initiatives.
Celebrating Our Community
This year, as we gather to renew our covenants and welcome new members, we also take time to celebrate the vibrant community we have built together.
Our church thrives on the connections we foster. Whether through small groups, community service events, or social gatherings, each interaction strengthens our bonds. Recent surveys show that 88% of our members feel a strong sense of belonging within our church family, and every membership renewal reinforces our shared commitment while new members bring fresh inspiration and energy.
How to Participate
To renew your membership or join as a new member, please visit our website for more information. You will find resources and dates for upcoming meetings and renewals.
Consider inviting friends and family who might be looking for a spiritual home. More voices mean more joy and connection in our community!
Mark Your Calendars
Make sure to mark your calendars for the Covenant Renewal Ceremony! This celebration is a key event where we stand together as a community, honoring our commitments while warmly welcoming those joining us for the first time.
Embracing Our Journey Together
Membership at Riverfront Family Church is a journey rooted in faith, connection, and service. As we approach our Annual Membership Covenant Renewal, we encourage each of you to contemplate your place within our church family.
Are you ready to recommit, reaffirm, or become a new member? We are eager to welcome you with open arms! Let’s continue to grow, serve, and impact each other’s lives and our community positively.
Join us as we head into another beautiful year filled with worship, fellowship, and service. Here’s to renewing our commitment and joyfully welcoming newcomers!
- Pastor Ben
- Apr 24, 2025
Easter is a joyful celebration—the tomb is empty, and Jesus is risen. But after the excitement, we might find ourselves asking, "So what now?" At Riverfront Family Church, we're answering that question by choosing Radical Love.
Radical Love isn't just a nice sentiment. It’s a commitment to embody the kind of inclusive, sacrificial, unconditional love Jesus showed us. This means living out our faith practically, through hospitality, peace, and healing.
Radical Hospitality at Riverfront is about making everyone feel seen, welcomed, and valued—not as guests, but as family. It’s the kind of welcome that changes lives, like when a weary mom named Wanessa found comfort at our restaurant, Fire by Forge. After a tough day with her daughter hospitalized, the kindness of our staff transformed her evening. Hospitality is turning strangers into family, honoring every person’s story, and surprising them with how deeply they matter.
Peace for us means active peacemaking—working for justice and reconciliation in a wounded world. Our friends at COMPASS Youth Collaborative and Homeboy Industries model this beautifully, stepping bravely into moments of tension, offering hope and belonging. Real peace isn’t passive. It engages boldly, affirming that every life has value and every person deserves another chance.
Healing acknowledges we all carry wounds. At Riverfront, healing is a community effort—honest, messy, and transformative. Inspired by the spiritual depth of the 12-Step movement, we explore deeper ways to become fully alive and whole. Healing is about walking together, recognizing that our wounds are not the end of our stories.
Ten years from now, we dream of a community transformed by Radical Love—where diverse stories are celebrated, peace is actively built, and healing is continuously pursued. A place where everyone truly belongs.
Because resurrection isn't just an Easter story. It’s our daily practice. It’s how we love, heal, and make peace.
So, what now? Let’s keep loving, rising, and becoming the resurrection people we're called to be—today, and every day.
