“God gave me a vision”. This is how River of Life Community Church began according to Pastor Justin. He saw a people glorifying God. They would flow together as His River of Life. They would bless people through Christian Servanthood. Evangelism and Missions would be their focus.
River of Life Community Church has a rich history. Its origins trace back to Bartley Christian Church. This church still meets at 4 How Sun Drive. In the mid-1980s Bartley Christian Church planned to rebuild its sanctuary. God had other plans.
In 1988 Dr. Keith Hinton challenged Bartley Christian Church’s leadership. He urged them to steward their resources. They could forward God’s work by planting a daughter church. This church would be in an unchurched part of Singapore. This challenge resonated with Pastor Joseph Tang. He was one of RiverLife’s founding pastors. After prayerful consideration Bartley Christian Church changed its plans. They decided to plant a new daughter church.
In 1991, 123 adults and 75 children responded. They were from Bartley Christian Church. They felt God’s call to plant a church in Pasir Ris. On August 18 they met for the first time. The location was 6 Loyang Besar Close. Bartley Christian Church assigned Pastors Joseph Tang and Vincent Lun to plant the new church. Three Lay Elders assisted them. They were Dr. Andrew Goh, Chen Chee Cheong and Lionel Goh. This pioneer group remained passionate. They wanted to build the local church. They saw it as the “Hope of the world.”
In 1999 Dr. Keith Hinton challenged Bartley Christian Church again. He asked them to release the Pasir Ris church. It should operate independently. Bartley rose to the challenge. The new church plant in Pasir Ris had a strong evangelistic zeal. It focused on maturing believers. It also provided a balanced place for the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
RiverLife Church received its official name in 2000. The leaders and members of Bartley Church voted. Bartley Church Pasir Ris Centre would become an independent body. Bartley leaders gifted the property at 6 Jalan Loyang Besar. It went to its daughter church. RiverLife Church was officially incorporated. It became an independent Church in early 2001.
In 1997-1998 Bartley Church faced a severe leadership challenge. After resolving this crisis the Senior Leadership at RiverLife Church sought the Lord. They wanted corporate healing and restoration. For 18 months the church prayed earnestly. They hoped for a fresh start. In 1999 the Lord poured out His Spirit. It was an unprecedented measure.
In 2000 the leadership decided to build again. Freddy Boey said, “God gave us a simple word. Raise faith not funds. Have faith to move from our comfort zone into the unknown.” God affirmed the building project through miracles. The church collected $1.03 million. This happened during its first building fund collection. Attendance grew despite construction.
After completing the new extension in 2005 God added more worshippers. The church continued to prosper. Members brought pre-believing relatives and friends. They came for evangelistic services. Many of these pre-believers came to faith. They became active members and leaders.
As RiverLife grew the church launched into mission fields. RiverLife blessed churches in different nations. They provided practical social projects. They offered evangelistic training and equipping courses. The church strengthened church leaders. This helped them fulfill God’s agenda.
RiverLife Church continues to be committed. It pursues His presence. It labors in communities and nations. It journeys with one another to Christlikeness. RiverLife desires to be a radiant disciple-making church. It wants to catalyze Kingdom transformation. This will occur in communities and nations.
RiverLife Community Services Ltd (RCS) is a non-profit. RiverLife Church established it in June 2007. RCS helps and serves the community. It does so regardless of race or religion. From humble beginnings as a youth center RCS has extended care. It empowers mothers youths and families-in-need.