What We Believe
Our Identity
Our dream is to stand in solidarity with the Church that the Lord is building for the living of these days. Though Lutheran in denominational identity (NALC, LCMC), our heart is ultimately directed towards the work of the Kingdom of God. The Lord is calling forth streams from many different backgrounds to form one River (Ezekiel 47:9), One Church, to powerfully proclaim the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ. The movement of the River will bring new life and hope to all those who receive its message. Whether Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Pentecostal, or part of some other denominational or non-denominational movement, it is time to acknowledge one another’s strengths and celebrate how we are more complete and effective because of our unique giftedness within His Church.
Our Mission
Our mission is to mobilize ordinary disciples of Jesus Christ into the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit through missional communities, witnessing to the extravagance of the Father’s love.
Our Vision
As a Kingdom of God movement, we are captivated by a vision to call the Church to be His Church … while it is still day.
Our Core Values – The 9.5 Theses
On October 31st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. These historical doctrinal challenges were introduced with the following words: “Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light, the following propositions will be discussed.” And so, the conversation began and the Reformation was born! And now we are privileged to carry this mission in River’s Edge Ministries. We would say, along with Luther, out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to the light, the following 9.5 propositions will serve to guide our effort. Read them HERE
Location
Missional Communities
Here at River’s Edge, small groups serve as the building blocks for our ministry. They are not an afterthought, but carry the bulk of the work and privilege of its ministry. We have discovered that the “small group” is the most effective and faithful means by which to make and grow disciples. We refer to these basic building blocks as Missional Communities, with their primary purpose to mobilize participants into mature followers of Jesus Christ.
We currently hold weekly, monthly, and yearly gatherings of all sizes in Mt. Airy and Woodstock, Maryland and the surrounding areas. Visit our Events page for our schedule of events and activities, and fill out our Contact form if you would like to plug in to one of our gatherings! We would love to see you there.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1074
Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Our Team
K. Craig Moorman, Pastor and Mission Developer, earned his B.S. from Purdue University and proceeded with graduate work at Trinity Lutheran Seminary to receive his Master of Divinity degree. He loves people and believes in the incredible worth and giftedness of every person: “I very much appreciate a line from Les Miserables: ‘…to love another person is to see the face of God.’ It is in this encounter of unconditional love – especially as it’s fully revealed in Jesus Christ – that lasting joy is found.” With over 30 years experience in small group development and innovative mission work, Pastor Craig is excited about this endeavor at River’s Edge, which was officially birthed on October 2nd, 2010. He and his wife, Nancy, have five children, three grandchildren, and enjoy homesteading on their farmette with bees and a bunch of farm animals.
Nathan Dubyoski, Worship Leader, and his wife Susan live in Upperco, MD, along with their four kids Isaiah, Hannah, Samuel, and Elijah. Nathan enjoys doing many things with his down time, including woodworking, singing, playing piano, and going on walks with his family. Nathan’s greatest desire is to see God’s people satisfied in Him.
Sarah Southworth, Event Coordinator and Administrative Assistant, is the second oldest of Pastor Craig and Nancy’s five children. Sarah, her husband Scott, and their two sons are active participants in River’s Edge Ministries. Sarah has a passion for holistic health and nutrition and enjoys cooking, gardening, horseback riding and raising a little flock of chickens.
