River Christian Church, or “RCC,” as we are referred to, is part of the Restoration Movement. This group was formed in the late 1700s to early 1800s, not in an attempt to reform any particular denomination, but rather in an effort to restore the “original” church of the New Testament.
Eleven families began this journey on March 1, 2015, with no pastor, no worship leader, and no prior organizational plan. Here is where God has taken us since.
River Christian Church, or RCC, first met at the Eagle Harbor Pool with eleven families, or approximately thirty people, in attendance. Our journey began with the belief that a New Testament church must have local leadership in order to properly minister to its members and community. We started with no lead pastor, no worship leader, and no prior organizational plan!
Yes, our second location was a CEMETERY. Why? Because it was free! The owners of the Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery had been praying for God to reveal a way for them to use their business to grow his Kingdom and God answered that prayer in a mighty way and… untraditional way!
As RCC continued to experience explosive growth we needed more space and moved to the Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home. The same owners as the Cemetery continued to partner with us by allowing us to continue hosting services rent-free.
Thanks to the generosity of Russell Haven of Rest we were able to bless our community financially while also saving money to purchase a building. We purchased the building formerly known as Wehner’s Dance Studio at 515 College Drive in Middleburg, Florida. Our grand opening was on Easter Sunday of 2018.
Due to an unfortunate moisture issue (a fire sprinkler burst and it started raining in our worship center), we made an unexpected move to Saint John’s Classical Academy at 114 Canova Road in Fleming Island.
God has blessed us with a beautiful location big enough for us to continue growing and reaching our community for the Kingdom. Come worship with us at 5900 US-17 in Fleming Island.
RCC is on a mission to see Clay County transformed. We believe that encountering the love of the Father, living in the power of the Holy Spirit, participating in the Kingdom mission of Jesus, and building the family of faith for continued growth is essential to becoming the people God has created us to be.
Every person is created in God’s image for purposes much larger than self. A disciple of Jesus is anyone who has left an old way of life to follow and become like Jesus in all areas of their lives. We believe that Jesus extends His invitation to become His disciple to every single human being in the world. At RCC, we want to create a welcoming environment for all people to encounter Jesus, TRAIN believers to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus and UNLEASH disciples into the world to WIN more people to the saving grace of Jesus.
Everyone is welcome at RCC, even if you don’t believe what we believe or don’t know what you believe. We believe the Bible is God’s Word and is the only adequate guide for living a Christian Life. The statements below summarize the emphasis and direction of RCC — our teaching, culture, and direction are shaped and based on these foundational biblical beliefs.
There is only one true God. He is sovereign over all creation. God exists equally in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God is revealed to us through His creation, the Scriptures, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God perfectly defines and expresses truth and love to us, desires relationship with every person.
Matthew 11:27, Matthew 28:19, John 1:1-4, 2 Corinthians 13:14, 1 John 4:16
Jesus Christ is the one and only Son of God, equal with God the Father and God the Spirit. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary and was fully God and fully man. During His earthly ministry His miraculous acts, sinless life, pure and perfect teachings, and fulfillment of prophecy confirmed His Deity. While He experienced human emotions, physical sufferings, and temptations He acted completely in obedience to the Father. He died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father and is our High Priest and Advocate, and will return again someday to claim His own and take them to Heaven.
Matthew 1:22-23, John 1:1-3, Romans 8:3, Luke 4:21, Acts 3:18, 1 Corinthians 15:1-7, Philippians 2:5-11
The Holy Spirit is equal with God the Father and God the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit indwells every person from the very moment of salvation. The Holy Spirit produces new life in us and helps each believer to understand Scripture, discern what is right, and provides the strength to serve and obey God. The Holy Spirit’s influence becomes greater and more effective in us as we yield to His leading in obedience.
John 3:1-7, Romans 8:9-10, Ephesians 1:14, 4:30, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5
Man is (we are) made in the image of God to be like Him in character. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin”. All have sinned against God, and as a result, will incur not only physical death, but a spiritual death, eternal separation from God. Only God’s mercy and love for us, through Christ’s sacrifice, makes it possible for each of us to have our sins forgiven and a relationship with Him.
John 3:1, Genesis 1:27; Psalms 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23
The Bible is God’s Word. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture or error. The Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. Where it speaks, we listen and obey.
Psalms 12:6, 119:105, 160; Proverbs 30:5; 2 Timothy 1:13, 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
The Greek word for baptism is: baptizo. The definition is: to be immersed, to be buried in, to dip, to be put under. We believe that authentic faith expresses itself in repentance – a purposeful “change in direction” and in immersion in Jesus’ name. Repentance is our sincere acknowledgement that God’s judgment against sin is just, and baptism, in water and Spirit, is our confession that Jesus saves us from sin. Baptism is an act commanded by Christ and confirmed by the Apostles. The immersion into water connects the believer to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and is a testimony of our faith. It is a public proclamation that we are a follower of Christ. In Baptism we are clothed in Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-39, Colossians 2:11-12; Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:26-29
Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ and God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ as Lord of his life. This is evidenced by repentance, confession, baptism by immersion, and a life committed to His service.
John 1:12, 14:6; Romans 5:1, 6:23; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5
People will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is eternal death in Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life in Heaven. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence. Mankind’s eternal destination is solely determined by ones acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
John 3:16, 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 6:23, 8:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15
Pastor Nathan and his wife, Rachel, love raising their three amazing children: Kamryn, Rylan, and River. A graduate of Lipscomb University, Nathan has a heart for Jesus and the world He loves. His life is dedicated to living by example, encouraging men and women to live up to their full potential in Christ.
Jeff and his wife Marcy have been married for over 40 years and have three children and four grandchildren. They have a passion to know Jesus and to make him known. Jeff’s diverse ministry history has given him the desire to see how a church’s operations contribute to the fulfillment of the gospel and the increase of God’s Kingdom on the earth. He is currently in pursuit of a Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies from Denver Seminary. He loves to play music and basketball.
Ty is married to his fantastic wife, Ashleigh. Together they have two boys who never seem to run out of energy! After graduating from California State University Stanislaus, he followed God’s call into ministry. He enjoys playing guitar and writing music that glorifies the Lord. He has a passion for serving Jesus and serving others.
Travis joined the RCC team in January of 2021. He and his wife Erin met at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where he received a Masters in Ministry. In his spare time, he likes to turn wrenches, cast lines, and lose golf balls. He tries every day to keep a Philippians 4:8 attitude on life.
Carson was born in Michigan, raised in Indiana, and spent five years in Chicago, where he met his amazing wife, Megan. In his spare time, he loves supporting University of Michigan football, playing disc golf, and doing anything competitive. He loves creating spaces where students and families grow closer to God and feel connected to the church.
Tricia married her college sweetheart, Jason, and set out on the adventure of a lifetime together. God blessed them with four amazing children. He also gave them plenty of opportunities to see His glorious creation with a little help from the U.S. Navy. Fourteen moves later they decided to call Fleming Island home. Tricia loves spending time with her family at the beach, traveling, studying God’s Word, and swimming. The love of Jesus has radically transformed her life. Tricia is called to share that love with others while pointing them to Jesus.
Alysa was raised in central Illinois and met her husband, Austin, while attending Illinois State University. They married in 2020 and have twin girls, Esme and Eloise. God called them to move to Clay County in 2023 and they have called RCC home ever since. Alysa loves sharing the love of Jesus with His littlest disciples. In her spare time, you can find her curled up with a book and cup of tea or roaming around Disney World.
JB & Kaley met while attending Fleming Island High School, were married, and are proud parents of a sweet baby girl and three puppies. They have been serving in RCC’s Children Ministry since day one, and every Sunday teach the Bible in creative and relevant ways.
Caitlyn is a Fleming Island High School alumnus, born and raised. Caitlyn and her husband Matt have been blessed to adopt two children. She has been serving in the children’s ministry for over ten years and is also a teacher for River Preschool. She’s passionate about teaching children and sharing the word of Jesus with others. Caitlyn loves to be on the water, whether boating on the beach or relaxing in the pool.
Jessica has a deep connection to River Preschool, which started when her son Chance began attending in 2016. She joined the staff in 2020 and is thrilled to partner with the children and families of River Preschool to nurture their spiritual and intellectual development. She enjoys cooking, reading, and vacationing with her family in her free time.
Kimberly and her husband, Brandon, married in 2006 and have raised their two boys in Clay County since 2009. They’ve been with RCC since Easter of 2016. Kimberly serves in various ways within the church and has been with River Preschool since 2019. Her favorite is teaching children about the love of Jesus. In her spare time, you’ll find her at the ball field or the lake, helping her oldest raise his show pigs for the county fair and raising their backyard chickens.
Ema was born in Jacksonville and started attending RCC in high school. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University. Ema loves the word of God and enjoys getting to see that love develop in students. She enjoys going on adventures, being active and trying new things. She also loves the Chicago bears.
Kenzie was born in California. She is currently enrolled at Nations University pursuing a degree in Religious studies. As well as attending Jones Technical College for automotive technology. In her spare time she enjoys dirt biking, working on cars, fishing, and just being outside. The church has greatly impacted her life and she is passionate about serving God and His people.
Heather and her husband, Keck, married in 1995 and have a sweet daughter, Alexis. Heather came to love the Lord as a young teenager and loves to show His kindness and compassion to others. She’s a Watercolor Artist and her favorite pastime and happy place is to be around friends and family, making shared memories.
Cathy and her husband, Walt, have been married for 39 years and are very proud of their three children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys running, paddle boarding, and spending time with her family. Cathy loves RCC and feels blessed to be a part of the team.
Ginny and her husband, Lynn, moved to Fleming Island in 2000 to raise their two sons. They love spending time with their family, traveling when they can, and growing in God’s word, fellowshipping, serving and worshipping with their RCC family. Ginny’s happy place is the great outdoors and being surrounded by nature.
Amber and her husband, Nathan, have been married since 2005. They have three children two sons and a daughter. Her family enjoys spending time together outdoors, usually boating and kayaking with some camping sprinkled in. She can often be seen at one of her children’s many sporting events. Amber was blessed enough to be raised in a family rooted in the bible and Christ! She loves babies, kiddos, and helping in the Children’s ministry at RCC.
We want to hear from you! Reach out and let us know how we can help. Please allow at least two business days for us to respond. If you need immediate assistance, please call (904) 458-4809 to speak with someone.
PO Box 10075
Fleming Island, FL 32006
Saturday · 5:00 PM — On campus
Sunday · 8:30 · 10:00 · 11:30 AM — On campus
Sunday · 10:00 & 11:30 AM — Online