Where Do I Start?
We’re so glad you found us online! We know that being new to a church community can be a little intimidating. Please feel free to take a look around our website to find out more about who we are and what we’re all about!
Join us this Sunday at 9:00am or 11:00am!
Get DirectionsWelcome to The River Church
We’re so glad you’re here. Whether you’re exploring faith, returning after some time away, or seeking a fresh start, The River Church is a place where you can belong before you believe — a safe, Spirit-led space for real people pursuing a real God.
What to Expect When You Visit
At The River Church, you’ll experience a vibrant, Spirit-filled community where faith, family, and purpose flow together. From the moment you arrive, our hospitality team will greet you with warmth and genuine care. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning after a while, our goal is that you feel seen, loved, and at home.
“Wherever the river flows, everything will live.” — Ezekiel 47 : 9
Our Worship Experience
Our worship is contemporary, creative, and Christ-centered — a dynamic atmosphere designed for authentic encounters with God. The sanctuary lighting is intentionally set for focus and intimacy, allowing you to center your heart without distraction. The music is energetic and passionate, often loud in praise and deep in worship.
We’re intentional about inclusion. Earplugs and sensory-friendly tools are available so everyone can worship comfortably. Our ushers and children’s ministry teams are trained to assist families and ensure that every person feels safe, valued, and supported.
Each message, preached by Bishop Ronald L. Godbee Sr., is biblically grounded, theologically rich, and prophetically relevant — meeting both the soul and the intellect. Children and youth engage in age-appropriate experiences, while adults grow through teaching, connection, and service.
Sunday Worship Experience
Where Heaven meets Excellence. Where Worship feels like Home.
Step into an atmosphere charged with faith, beauty, and divine expectation. Every detail — from the music to the message — is designed with intentionality, excellence, and grace.
9:00 AM | The Early Encounter
(Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes)Begin your Sunday immersed in peace, power, and purpose. This experience is crafted for those who desire a focused, refreshing encounter that sets the tone for the day ahead.
11:00 AM | The Full Encounter
(Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes)An immersive worship experience that invites you to go deeper — to feel the rhythm of faith, to celebrate, to reflect, and to receive.
Our live band brings together the best of contemporary and timeless worship — drums, guitars, keys, and passionate voices that lift hearts heavenward. We honor the cross through communion, and we grow through transformative, relevant teaching that speaks directly to your life.
After each experience, our ministry team is available for personal prayer — a sacred space for reflection, restoration, and renewal. And before you leave, take a moment to connect personally with Bishop and Pastor Karla Godbee — a gracious invitation to meet the heart and vision behind this house of excellence.
Come expecting. Leave transformed. Welcome to Sunday at The River.
Our Culture
At The River, we are Spirit-led, Christ-centered, and people-focused. You’ll notice three guiding pillars woven into everything we do:
Worship
Pursuing God’s presence with authenticity and awe.
Community
Building relationships that heal, strengthen, and empower.
Service
Extending love through outreach, justice, and compassion to our city.
What You’ll Feel
You’ll sense freedom to worship, space to heal, and empowerment to live out your calling. This is not just a church to attend — it’s a family to belong to and a movement to grow with.
Plan Your Visit Connect With UsMeet Our Pastor
Bishop Ronald L. Godbee Sr. is a visionary leader, seasoned pastor, and spiritual architect whose ministry flows with prophetic clarity, pastoral compassion, and theological depth. For over three decades, he has proclaimed the Gospel with power and precision, shaping lives, leaders, and communities through a ministry anchored in grace, truth, and transformation.
As Lead Pastor of The River Church in Durham, Bishop Godbee has cultivated a Spirit-filled, inclusive, and community-driven congregation affectionately known as “the city’s church.” Under his leadership, The River continues to heal the heart of the city, serve its souls, and shape its future.
Together with Lady Karla Godbee, his partner in life and ministry, they lead with compassion and excellence — inspiring generations to know God, love people, and live purposefully wherever the river flows.
FAQs?
What Do I Wear?
You may wear whatever you want. There are some people who wear suits and ties, but many go more business casual (slacks and a button shirt), and still others wear jeans and t-shirts. It’s important to remember that God looks at the soul, not at the suit.
What Do My Kids Do?
We offer 4Life Youth Ministry for children age three through 12th grade as well as nurseries (infants, crawlers, walkers—newborn through age 2) during each of our worship services. Our electronic kids check-in system will allow you to have peace of mind during services. And, our Jesus-centered kids programming is so fun and engaging your kids will beg to come back!
How Do I Get To Your Church?
Our address is 4425 Ben Franklin Blvd, Durham, NC 27704. Look for the flags leading to the main entrance. Please call -919-433-0333 or email us at i[email protected] if you need any help finding our church.
What Size Church Is It?
The River Church has several worship environments that are designed to feel comfortable but not overwhelming.
Each service has just enough people so that you won’t feel alone, but not so many that you would feel lost in a crowd. We are a place that is personal, accepting, inviting, but not overbearing.
Our services feel very connected and personal as each service has roughly 300-500 people.
Will I Be Asked To Give Money?
We do bring an offering, but it is for our members and regular attendees. If you are a visitor/guest, please do not feel obligated to give.
Will I Be Videotaped?
When you attend an event or program by The River Church, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.