Reserved parking for visitors and those with challenges can be found on the north side of the building. The doors will lead you to The Cove on your right, which leads into the Worship Center. Ahead and to your left is the children's wing; to your right are offices and the Youth Room.

How to contact us

Church phone: (765) 573-5482

Matthew Trexler, lead pastor: therivermarion@sbcglobal.net

Kaleb Wakeman, worship and creative arts pastor: kaleb.wakeman@therivermarion.com

Josh Fakhoury, student ministries director: josh.fakhoury@therivermarion.com

Judy Plotner, children's ministries director: judyplotner@gmail.com

Jim Watkins, communications pastor: jim@jameswatkins.com

Dave Woods, director of operations: david.wooods.tga@gmail.com

What we believe

We believe in one God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the Savior of all men and women who put their faith in Him alone for eternal life. We believe that those who receive new life in Christ are called to be holy in character and conduct, and can only live this way by being filled with the Lord's Spirit. We believe in the Bible and seek to establish our faith and actions on its teaching. We believe God wills for people everywhere to know Him and that the purpose of the Church is to tell the world about Christ through its worship, witness, and loving deeds. Click here for a detailed description of our core beliefs.



What our style of worship is like

Like Psalm 150, you'll find strings (guitar, bass, electric violin) and cymbals (acoustic drums) playing "contemporary Christian music." A typical worship service includes musical praise and worship, prayer, entertaining announcements and videos, and a practical, biblical message.

What our style of preaching is like

The staff is committed to sound, biblical teaching presented in a contemporary manner with humor, media and passion.

What we wear

Dress is casual at The River. The staff wears jeans and sneakers, but if you want to dress up, that's cool, too!

How we minister

Please click for a list of children, student and adult ministries. All our children and youth workers have passed police background checks, so you and your children can feel safe at The River.

How we accommodate challenges

The one level building is completely handicap accessible.



Where we came from

The River started in the hearts of Pastor Matthew and Nicole, while attending a conference together. The idea of planting a church slowly grew and began to spread into the hearts of others around them. As this small group of people became united, there was one bonding passion to create a church that is willing to walk through life together, removing any expectations of who you have to be, but simply setting sail on a journey from the swamps described in Ezekiel 47 to the fresh water that can only be offered by the river that flows with the grace of Jesus Christ. On Sunday, June 3, 2007, ten families, totaling 19 people gathered together in Matthew's and Nicole's living room and The River Church was birthed.

Within two months, the opportunity opened for The River to move into the old Fitness Connection located on the Marion Bypass. This visible location and many outreach events in the community helped the congregation rapidly grow to the point that it was necessary to find larger quarters to accommodate the group of worshipers and the growing children's and youth ministries. A new site was sought, and Justice Middle School became the new home for the second phase of the River's ministry in June 2009.

In February 2011, The River moved to its present location and major renovations were made to the old elementary school. As part of The River's vision for missions and to multiply new church plant opportunities, a new "sister" church, New Journey Church, was launched in Wabash in February 2010.

How to get more answers

If we haven't answered all your questions, don't hesitate to email our communications pastor, Jim Watkins, at jim@jameswatkins.com.