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!
Equip
Genuinely seek God through worship, prayer, and sound biblical teaching.
Educate
Focusing on vital signs & core values as guidelines for spiritual growth.
Empower
Compassionately revealing the joyous relationship with Jesus Christ to our world.
What To Expect?
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.
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 200-350 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.