We Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
There’s a lot Christians can argue about. We’d rather tell you what we’re sure of.
Plan a VisitHere’s the deal. You shouldn’t have to dig through a doctrinal statement to figure out what a church actually believes.
So here it is, plain and simple. This is what we hold to. These are the things we build everything else on.
The Bible says it doesn’t matter what you think and it doesn’t matter what you feel — it matters what’s true. So that’s what we’re after.
What We Believe
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God — our guide for how to live, how to love, and how to know Him.
(2 Timothy 3:16)God
We believe in one God who exists in three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God. Three persons. If you ask us exactly how that works, we’ll be honest with you: some of it is bigger than we are.
(Matthew 28:19)Jesus
We believe Jesus is the Son of God — fully God and fully human. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. He’s alive, and He’s the reason we have hope. This is the center of everything.
(John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)Salvation
We believe everyone needs a Savior. And we believe salvation comes through faith in Jesus — not by being good enough, not by earning it, not by cleaning yourself up first. It’s a gift.
(Ephesians 2:8-9)The Church
We believe the church isn’t a building. It’s people. And when those people actually love each other well, the world takes notice. That’s the plan. That’s always been the plan.
(John 13:35; Acts 2:42-47)Eternity
We believe in eternal life. The stuff in front of us isn’t all there is — and the choices we make here matter for eternity. That’s not meant to scare you. It’s meant to wake you up.
(2 Corinthians 4:18; John 3:16)You Don’t Have to Have It Figured Out to Show Up
Quick clarification, because this matters.
This page tells you what we believe. It is not an entrance exam for you.
You can walk into River Valley with questions, doubts, a messy past, or zero church background, and you’ll be welcome. No matter where you are in your faith journey, Jesus meets you there — and so will we.
Come as you are. Bring your questions. We’re not scared of them.
Common Questions
Are you a denomination?
We’re nondenominational. We’re not trying to represent a brand or a system — we’re trying to teach the Bible and point people to Jesus. Pastor Cody has a Southern Baptist background, but we hold our beliefs from Scripture first, not from a denominational handbook.
What Bible translation do you use?
We use the CSB translation. But you should bring whatever translation you read best — it’s the same Bible.
Do I have to believe all of this to come to River Valley?
Nope. This is what we believe, not a requirement for showing up. You’re welcome here whether you’re all-in, on the fence, or just checking it out. Come find us Sunday.
What do you think about people who disagree on the secondary stuff?
We think you can love Jesus and still land in a different spot on worship style, end-times views, and other side issues. We hold the core tight and hold the rest with an open hand. We won’t divide over preferences.
Where do you stand on baptism and communion?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change — a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. It doesn’t save you; it celebrates what already happened. We take communion once a quarter. You can read more on our baptism page.
I still have questions. Who do I talk to?
That’s exactly what we want. Reach out to our team — no pressure, no agenda, just a real conversation. Email admin@myrivervalley.church or call 512.308.2570.
The Best Way to Know What We Believe Is to Show Up
You can read a page all day. But the real thing is better. Come check us out this Sunday for one of our services at 8:15, 9:45, or 11:11 AM. We’ll save you a seat.