We often describe The River Church as “highly (hopelessly) relational.” Is this true? I think so. But, it can easily come across as trite, just another marketing cliché. We are bombarded with immense content, endless notifications, and soul-sucking and bending algorithms. The River Church is a local church, made up of real, if not flawed, humans, and we are learning to love each other, by following the words and ways of Jesus, for the good of our neighbors. The real River is not an institution, a business, or a building; it’s us, the people. As Peter concludes his first letter to his community of followers of Jesus, he ends with an appeal to three groups: those older in Jesus, those younger in Jesus, and to everyone in his hearing. As a seasoned apostle, one who had seen and shared in the suffering of Jesus, he wants the olders to care authentically, the youngers to follow this example, and for everyone to let humility permeate their relationships. Peter says this is part of the way a local church becomes highly relational and a good for their community. You can read about it in 1 Peter 5:1-11.
