About Us
We're building a community of Christ for the world.
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
River West Church is home to a thriving community of people who are becoming more like Jesus. We desire to live out the Gospel in a way that reflect God’s love in our city, community, and the world.
Each Sunday, we gather as one family to worship, explore God’s Word, and come to the communion table to celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection. But church doesn’t end on Sunday.
Throughout the week, we experience the Gospel as we grow our faith, serve others, and build meaningful relationships. Everything we do is in response to the incredible love and grace we’ve received through Jesus.
Core Commitments
Jesus: Our Focus
At River West, we believe the Church thrives by keeping Christ at the center of our lives. As we fix our hearts and minds on Christ’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection, we experience God’s transforming power. We see this miracle at work in our own lives, our city, and our world. The same Jesus who rose from the grave on Easter Sunday is making all things new — right here, right now!
Gospel: Our Truth
In a world filled with bad news, we believe in the “good news of great joy for all people” (Luke 2:10). More than advice for good living, the Gospel is the amazing announcement of what God has done for us through Christ. Through the Gospel, we have a new beginning and identity as we are adopted into a new family of faith (Eph 1:5). Together, our mission is to reach our broken and hurting world. That’s why we set our minds on learning the Gospel in all its depth and seek to live it out — just as Jesus did.
We face many trials in this life, but we can count it all joy because of the One we are walking with (James 1:2). Cultivating a practice of gratitude helps us live out the Gospel. It’s called a “practice” because it’s not something we naturally feel; it’s a response we must learn together. Joyful thanksgiving is what follows after you receive a great gift. Everything about the Gospel is a gift: God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice, and the miracle of God’s Spirit in our lives. We give our hearts and lives in return.
Gratitude: Our Response
Prayer: Our Power
We lift our voices and pray to a God who desires intimacy and connection with us. He not only hears our prayers but answers them. Each time we gather in Jesus’ name to pray, we believe he can do immeasurably more than we can ask, think, or imagine (Eph 3:20). We pray expectantly, believing He is actively healing hurting people, renewing broken cities, and strengthening Christ’s Church. We get to partner with and participate in what God is doing in our world when we pray.
Unity: Our Strength
The Gospel of Christ brings people together. Suddenly, people who have shared so little in common are at once united at the deepest level. The gift of the Cross and the miracle of the resurrection overshadow all else. Now, what we share in Christ is much greater than what might separate us. In building Christ-centered relationships, we are learning how to live, love, serve, and grow together as one. It’s not always easy, but in a fractured world, this is our commitment in Christ.
Maturity: Our Goal
The Christian life is a journey — one where we never stop growing. Each day is a new opportunity to become more like Jesus in character and conduct as we are “conformed in the image of Christ” (Rom 8:29). Thankfully, we are not on our own to do this. We grow with the help of God’s Spirit alongside a loving, Christ-honoring community. We are learning to serve one another in love and become mature in faith together.
Mission: Our Purpose
The Church does not exist for itself. At River West, we are on a mission to make a lasting impact by reflecting Christ’s love for others. We don’t do this on our own. We believe the same Jesus who lived, died, and rose from the grave is at work in our world. Even in the darkest circumstances, His kingdom is breaking through. We work to pursue justice and extend mercy to those in need. This passion for Jesus’ mission must be lived out in countless acts of love, both locally and abroad.
Meet the Team
River West Church is led by a passionate and faithful team of pastors, ministry leaders, and staff who love Jesus and love people. Each person plays a unique role in helping our community grow in faith, experience the Gospel, and live on mission. We’re here to serve, support, and walk alongside you — whether you’re new or have been part of our church family for years.
Read our Statement of Faith
River West Church is rooted in the historic teachings of Christian orthodoxy as articulated in The Apostles Creed and The Nicene Creed. In addition to the doctrinal statement below, we join with followers of Jesus worldwide in affirming the Lausanne Covenant.
Questions?
We’re happy to answer any questions you have. Contact us below and we’ll be in touch soon.
Come just as you are. Some people dress up, others come in jeans and sneakers. What matters most isn’t what you wear—it’s that you’re here.
Parking is available in our main lot right by the church. If it’s full, we also have additional parking across the street at Lake Oswego High School. When you arrive our greeters will happily point you in the right direction.
Your kids are important to us. River West Kids is a safe, joyful place where newborns through 5th graders can learn about Jesus in ways that connect with them. Our team will help you check them in, answer your questions, and make sure they feel at home.
Our 9am, 11am, and 5pm services last about 75 minutes. We sing together, hear teaching from the Bible that connects to real life, and create space to be with God and others in community.
No. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or seeking, you are welcome here. We believe church should be a safe place to bring your questions and explore who Jesus is. If you have any questions and would like to meet with a pastor please don’t hesitate to reach out. (info@riverwest.org)
Our worship is heartfelt and Christ-centered. We love the richness of ancient hymns and the freshness of contemporary worship songs. Some moments are upbeat and celebratory, others are quiet and reflective. More than a style, our goal is to create space for people to encounter the presence of God together.
No, River West is a nondenominational evangelical church. Our identity isn’t tied to a particular religious tradition—it’s rooted in the good news of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and kingdom. The Gospel is at the center of everything we teach, celebrate, and practice as community. You can read more about what we believe in our Statement of Faith.
