Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our Sunday morning services begin at 9:00 and 10:30 with a five-minute countdown on the big screen behind the platform. We start off with an opening praise song, followed by a warm welcome from one of our pastors or leaders. We then enter into a more extended time of worship (usually 2-3 songs that proclaim the greatness of our God!) Our pastor (or his designated speaker) will then share a 30-40 minute message from the Word of God (the Bible), then close with a final song.  Some weeks may be different when we partake of the Lord's Supper, have baptisms, or other special events.  All of our Sunday morning services are Livestreamed and can be viewed through this website or on the River Oak's YouTube channel. 

  • We believe that it is important that you come, so dress casually. Most of the River Oaks Church family wear jeans, slacks, t-shirts, blouses, button-up shirts, etc.  We do ask that people dress modestly as they are preparing to enter into worship of Almighty God.

  • Because God's Word is living and active and is able to basically look inside us to uncover our shortcomings and all of our sinful thoughts and behaviors, even the most faithful followers of Jesus are met with personal conviction every time God's Word is preached. So, yes, you may feel a bit uncomfortable, every one of us does. But, the overwhelming message of the Bible is that God loves us so much, and He wants to forgive us completely for every sin - through the power of Jesus' blood - so we can be in relationship with Him. If we stand resolute in His glorious light, and if we respond to His calling in our life, the Bible says that God will forgive us and cleanse us, and will shower us with His amazing grace! God meets you right where you are today. You don't have to "fix" anything before coming!

  • That's one of the most amazing aspects of God's Word. The life-changing Word of God is so practical and easy to understand that even small children are able to grasp its eternal truths (especially when you have a gifted preacher breaking it all down for you), but, at the same time, God's Word is so deep and mind-boggling that all the Bible scholars in the world will never be able to fully lay hold of its endless treasures. God's Holy Spirit illuminates the Word of God so that ordinary people can understand (in small part) the awesome God we serve!

  • We love the beauty, depth, familiar lyrics and melodies of the great hymns of the Church, but we primarily sing the more contemporary worship music of today.  All of the songs we sing are biblically true, give glory to God and magnify the name of Jesus.

  • River Oaks Church is faithfully supported by our members and regular attenders. We will never ask - and certainly not expect - any new person to give any monetary gift. Everything we do in our weekend services, the children's ministry, worship ministry, preaching ministry, fresh, hot coffee, and a whole lot of smiles from our church family, we give it all freely to our guests. It is one small way we can let you know that you are valued by the River Oaks Church family. We hope you will find a loving church family you can be proud to be a part of... then maybe you will feel led to give back to God because He is worthy of our everything!

  • River Oaks Church worship is led by a full contemporary praise band. We have a full compliment of instruments and vocalists. Most in the congregation sing along with the praise team, some raise their hands in a display of surrender to God. Some close their eyes as they sing; while others stand quietly. Entering into the presence of God is a personal thing, and it's vastly different in various kinds of churches.  The Bible says that when we worship God, it should contain two indispensable elements, Spirit and Truth. It's my spirit connecting with God's Spirit, based on the truths of Scripture that He has revealed to us.  

  • The great thing about the God we serve is that He isn't bothered by our questions or our doubts; He simply wants you to draw near to Him, and the Bible says He will draw near to you.  If you're not sure what you believe at this point, bring your questions and doubts and we will be glad to help you sort it out or give you the space you need to figure it out for yourself. You are welcome to join our journey - we'd love to have you with us!!

  • Obviously, it is vitally important when a lot of people get together - especially for something as important as the formation a faith community, it's important that we all are on the same page spiritually and doctrinally. As the previous question points out, we're all in different places in our journey, and at one point, we all held different beliefs than we hold right now. Along our spiritual journey, we listen to messages about God, we immerse ourselves in the truth of God's Word, and we surround ourselves with people who will pour into our lives with love, encouragement and support. It's in that kind of environment that people "come to faith" from any number of religious and spiritual backgrounds. We are led to faith in God by His Holy Spirit. So, our beginnings are kind of irrelevant. As long we faithfully listen for His call from the Living Word and respond in faith and humility, we will wind up as fully dedicated followers of the one true God, our Lord, Jesus Christ!

  • Absolutely! All of our volunteers are carefully evaluated over a lengthy period of time in the church before they are allowed to even apply to serve in our children's / youth ministries. Then, all volunteers working with kids must pass a special, criminal background check before being approved to serve. The safety and well-being of the children in our care is paramount.