Starting Point
We’re so glad you’re here.
Welcome to the River
No matter where you are on your journey, we’ve saved a seat for you. Our hope is that each time you walk through our doors, you will feel at home as you encounter God and connect with community. Our staff and volunteers are here to serve you and help you connect.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve recently become a part of the family, we welcome you and look forward to making this journey with you.
Who We Are
We’re not just a building; we’re a family made of people just like you. We are a community of believers who realize the importance of transparency and authenticity. We are followers of Jesus who want to love God, love people and change your world.
We invite you to join us on this incredible journey and discover God’s amazing plan for your life!
Our Core Values
We Pursue Love
Love is the trademark of Christianity. Jesus told us in John 13:35 that people would know we belong to Him by our love. With this in mind, we strive to create an environment of unconditional, no-strings-attached love. A culture of honor. We believe that when we live this way, not only will the world recognize us as His followers, but they will also be magnetically drawn to Him.
We Desire Unity
Jesus asked the Father in John 17:21 to make us one. His desire is that we operate in unity and solidarity. Unity is not that we agree with each other, but that we are on the same page with God. Unity is seeing what God is seeing, saying what God is saying, doing what God is doing and moving as one with Him. And, as we synchronize our hearts with His, we become a living testimony of the transforming power of Jesus in our lives.
We Value Authenticity
We believe authenticity is crucial for spiritual growth and development. James 5:16 encourages authenticity because honest admission about our problems, struggles and circumstances is the first step to finding healing and freedom. We promote and support a culture that allows us to be real about where we’ve been, where we’re at and what we are feeling. This transparency not only gives room for Holy Spirit to work in our lives, but it also is an encouragement to those around us, enabling them to see they are not alone in their journey with Jesus.
WE FOSTER FREEDOM
In 2 Corinthians 3:17, we read that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. Galatians 5:1 says that it is for freedom that Christ set us free. Because our freedom is important to God, it is important to us. We purpose to nurture an atmosphere of freedom: freedom to be who God created us to be, freedom to express worship to Him with openness, freedom from the yoke of slavery to sin, freedom from bondages, freedom from cookie-cutter expectations and freedom to be real.
Meet The Team

Bill Wahl
Lead Pastor

Kim Wahl
Co-Lead Pastor

Rod Bricker
Executive Pastor

Bill Forbes
Senior’s Pastor

Matt Wahl
Associate Pastor

Gabrielle Smith
Spiritual Care Pastor

Danielle Oakey
Kid’s Pastor

Ethan Bricker
Associate Pastor

Scott Smith
Community Pastor

Lydia Bricker
Worship Pastor

Stefan Wahl
Student Pastor

Ellen Goulette
Guest Services Coordinator

Tammy Forbes
Administrative Assistant

Lesa Bricker
Sozo Ministry Director
What We Believe
The River is a member of the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee.
Why I Love The River
LAURA BURRELL
Take a moment to discover why Laura loves The River!
BRAD SUNDBERG
Find out why Brad loves The River!
Javi Wille
Check out all the reasons why Javi loves The River!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in Touch
We want to hear from you. If you have any questions, please feel free to connect with us.
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Contact
Office/Mailing Address 3675 North River Road, Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
Phone 810.987.3650
Email info@river.life
Fort Gratiot Campus
Office Hours Mon-Thurs 9:00am – 4:00pm
River Ministry Center
Sunday Service 10:00am