A welcoming community of staff and volunteers. The church also has a wonderful campus for people of all walks of life.

I don't have much to say because I arrived so late. I think all the activities they appear to offer are inviting, the church is stunning inside and out, and it was easy to find and to park. As to the message and music, really can't comment because like I said before, arrived too late. read more

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I just had my first visit here for the Sing Along and my family truly enjoyed the event. I thought it'd be good to attend even though it's a weekday, will probably end at 9pm, my kids would be overtired and hate me BUT everything turned out so well. It was great! We felt welcomed, included, and loved. They acted on their message: Come just as you are, and experience God's grace. I've been to many church events but this is special. We plan on coming again to attend 12/24 service and I might sign up for their 12/29 blood drive event. read more

Riverbend Church - Sing Along 12/13/22 - Churches Near Me - Austin, Texas

We came with some friends... It is a beautiful setting... a big sprawling campus of a church... with a lot of interest. From play grounds, basketball courts, indoor play scapes and more this church caters to the children. My boys loved it. The church its self has a beautiful amphitheater feel. You come in at the top level and go in and down. Every seat is a good seat. The sound was great and the view at the back was awesome! It is a lovely location that I am sure we will attend again. read more

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All staff & volunteers are very welcoming from the minute you enter any of their facilities. From entering the huge church you are accepted & made to feel you are at home! The preacher talks of the Bible's teachings in a very down to earth manner! Preacher Dave Haney emits the Godly word with love, intelligence , wisdom and even humor. You really are blessed to visit Riverbend when he speaks to the congregation. read more

Riverbend Church's message is simple: "Come just as you are, and experience God's grace". Attending mass at Riverbend Church is quite the experience, to say the very least! I grew up going to Catholic Churches so I wasn't expecting much from church in general when I first attended with a friend last year, but boy was I wrong. This church is not only super welcoming, the music and singing are sensational and the messages being delivered by the speakers are so powerful. I've since only been twice to this church but I'm so glad that I found this place. Seriously, coming here on Sundays is like coming to a fantastic free concert. The quality of music, instruments, and vocal talent is top notch at Riverbend. I came here on Easter Sunday and left feeling inspired and ready to take on the day! They even have their masses recorded so you can watch online through their website if you're unable to attend in person. If you're spiritual and are looking for a community to belong to, I'd recommend checking out Riverbend. read more

A great place to find people who are searching for the truth about who God is and how he wants to relate to you

Amazing service, music, and environment. I love the artwork in the vestibule. The Reverend spoke Eloquently.

Some girlfriends had been to Riverbend once or twice before and I decided to join them the next time they went. I had been looking for a church since I moved to Austin in 2009 but honestly hadn't tried very hard. This past year I started writing a bunch down and went to a few but wasn't crazy about any of them. I was skeptical about Riverbend because it is a big church but when we got there I had an amazing feeling about it and started attending just about every Sunday since. I filled out a guest card on my first day and got contacted within a week about joining AveNew - their young adult singles group. Everyone in it is really welcoming. About a month or so later the pastor, Dr. Haney, began talking about the importance of joining groups to be involved with the church. I filled out the form and expressed interest in choir, another singles group - Untitled, and their women's professional group. I didn't end up joining the choir because it's for the middle service and I prefer the last service. Untitled is also during the middle service and I've really enjoyed being part of that group as well. I have people to sit with during the service now and have made some new friendships. I became a member at the Membership dinner on August 21st and have been really happy with all of the experiences I've had so far and can't wait to see where my relationship with God goes while attending Riverbend. Also in September I joined the women's weekly Bible study and have met some wonderful women through that as well. We finished a Beth Moore study in November and started a Jennie Allen study a few weeks ago. The Christmas Eve service was magical. I really enjoyed it but wish it had been longer! I don't want to spoil the surprises so you'll just have to come check it out for yourself :o) Overall Riverbend has been a great experience and I'm glad I found my church home. read more

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I have been to Riverbend several times, thought the pastor was great in his sermons, but the gospel was not tied into the messages. The worship and message was a lot about God but very seldom heard the name Jesus spoken. I am sure there are many Christians that go there but if you do not know Christ or the message of salvation you may want to take your family and friends to another church. read more

Love this church! They even have AA on wknights in the side building. Newcomer meeting and those with over a year have meetings here. Check times online! I love this church, their chapel, the events I have been to over the years. Super accommodating, organized, high quality, great facilities, heart for missions and friendly members. read more

Was visiting from Toronto for Christmas. Wonderful welcoming ambience and vey enjoyable Christmas Eve service. Excellent worship, short but spot-on message about peace of Christmas. High caliber music, great flow to the service. My father in law said "something I never thought I would say after church - is it over already?" Too bad I can't attend all the time. read more

Riverbend Church - Riverbend Christmas Eve Service - Churches Near Me - Austin, Texas

Nice Church with mostly nice people. Was surprised to see an elderly lady who worked at the church chastising other employees in front of parishioners. Complete turn off. read more

There is not an urgency to get people prepared. Not properly equipping people with a timely message.

What I was looking for was Just Like a Prayer. What I got was production value, minus the prayer. Disclaimer: I was raised Catholic. The guilt, confession - the works. Even though the physical church freaked me out a little (what if that ripped Jesus statue MOVES?) I found comfort in the format of the mass. Ample time for reflection, for thinking about the week, for praying about things that you cope with because you need to, when breaking down would be easier. The priest tied in current events into the teachings of the bible. And, this being on the east coast, the churches were smaller, older, cozier. But everything is bigger here, in Texas - including nearly every church I have seen. Compound style. Multiple buildings. Parking lots like woah. It's overwhelming. I went to Riverbend around Christmas time. Or Easter. One of those Important Days with dietary impact. They had a single baritone performer guest with simple piano accompaniment, and he sang between the talking. It was nice. You could see the forest outside beyond the huge glass. Soothing. But now I've seen it blown out of proportion: full-production choir, pit stand for the band. This is completely different from the simplicity of choir music I loved at church. There was something about picking up the booklet to find the song, that act of participating in the mass. We were motivated to be active participants. The song choices at Riverbend gave me the bad kind of goosebumps. Seasons of Love? Really? You know that was written by a gay composer for a Broadway show about sex, drug use, and disease, right? And I'm fine with RENT (hey musical theater minor) but it seemed almost... hypocritical. Or out of place, at least. And the huge screens with the words on them, the cameras, and everyone being mic-ed... it was so sorely foreign to me. I remember another mass where they took U2 and Coldplay songs and presented them in a spiritual context. Ouch. God Is Trying to Tell You Something: classic gospel, simplistic performance; I'll take it. Ave Maria: classic church song, simplistic delivery; I'll take it. U2, at church? Please, no. But none of that is my main issue. My biggest point of contention is that, in this place, I cannot pray. Despite it being a pretty establishment and the folks being nice and the boy wanting me to go with him, I found actual prayer nearly impossible. So many distractions. Always something going on, someone talking, a story being told. Someone is always telling you what to pray about. Pray for the children starting a relationship with God, that they may blossom into the faithful from the loving seeds we plant today. I get it, I pray for them. They're cute. But I have stuff to pray about too. If you could put a sock in it for a minute I would have time to get a word in myself. It feels like church for the lazy. The singing is done for you, loudly. Someone is constantly talking through the mass about what you should pray for. All I have to do is sit back and watch. So thank you, but it's hard to break a previously established interaction with the church, the spiritual dynamic that works for each of us. I did not feel at peace. I did not have an opportunity to pray. And Lord, help me, that I may never again hear a seemingly very vanilla woman screech orders to "measure your life in lo-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE!!" Please, dear God, no. read more

I am married with a couple of young kids and moved to Austin from Colorado three years ago. Finding a church for our family was primarily about finding solid community in a place we were comfortable with the service/preaching/music and where we felt Christ's teachings were front and center (but which also acknowledges we live in a very different world than Jerusalem circa 33 AD and is not afraid to discuss tough questions). We really like that the there are 3 styles of services (which I would equate to a traditional simple Presbyterian service in the small chapel, a mixed "full choir" service more like traditional Baptist, and a contemporary Non-denom service.). I especially like the fact the contemporary service is not the overproduced rock concert where you feel you have to cover your infant's ears and that you have to feel your way to your seat through the pitch black auditorium and laser light show. Pastor Haney is funny and finds creative ways to present the story of faith that I genuinely have never experienced anywhere else (such as the series "Man in Black" where he explored biblical truths in Johnny Cash's songs). There are no shortage of Mercedes in the parking lot which is a bit overwhelming if you don't find yourself in the upper echelons of Austin society, but this is increasingly everything west of Mopac. We are solidly middle class and we've also found plenty of others who attend that are not ultra wealthy. The church has beautiful facilities and options for kids which definitely contributed to our decision to attend, and though I ethically struggle with the fact that so much of the church budget goes to operate such an elaborate facility, the church has really stepped up its efforts in the last year to focus on community outreach especially amongst the immigrant and homeless communities. As with any church (especially large ones) you get out of it what you put into it, so don't expect to attend one service a month and really meet anyone or grow spiritually. Plug in wherever you choose to attend and if you don't find the people friendly, chances are half the other people there are like you and are waiting for someone to initiate that first contact. Jumping "all in" has made a big difference for us as we've moved a number of times in the last ten years and have had to start over with finding a new church and finding new friends. read more

I absolutely adore this church and this community of people. The way that they accept people from every background is so inspiring. Their teachings are true to the Bible, I love the Sunday messages at the 11:15 service. The musicians that lead worship are so talented and I love to hear them every Sunday. I also appreciate all of the volunteer opportunities they have for all kinds of interests, as well as numerous opportunities for outreach both here in our local community and abroad. Thanks for making me feel at home here in Austin! read more

Nice enough service but was shocked to hear a lady named Paulette use profanity toward another staff member about something she thought should have been done before the service started. Not the type of church I want to attend when staff members treat each other in that manner. read more

A variety of service times and styles. People are friendly. Seats are comfy. Pastor is very hip and teaches an uplifting current message that utilizes media and modern technology. This is a modern church. The service is just the right length.. Not too long & not too short. (There are even a few celebrities that regularly attend.) We like the 11:15 service :) read more

I love the venue!! Great 11:00 service. Love the contemporary music Wonderful message from the cool pastor! God loving us Can't wait to get involved read more

When I moved to Texas , I wanted to find a common sense church not built on hype or holier than thou attitudes. I didn't want to dance with rattlesnakes or see Jesus in Tortillas. What I found at Riverbend Church is intelligent, common sense sermons and bible stories told with humor and insight. I love the community of people here. They all try and truely practise christianity and love of community. I was raised Catholic and I got the rituals down packed, but I didn't really have that much of a connection as to true christianity. Riverbend has given me that connection. I recomend this church highly. I am very impressed with the Pastors who are good guys that teach with humor. read more

I began frequenting Riverbend Church after a nearly 20 year period of avoiding churches altogether. I was the quentessential prodigal son. In those 20 years I stacked up a pile of sins that I felt left me in the trash bin of Christianity. At Riverbend Church I discovered a modern version of the compassion of Jesus. Jesus was accused by the religious rulers of His day of being "a friend of taxgatherers and prostitutes." Their accusations were quite the compliment actually. I did not work for the IRS, nor was I a prostitute, but I had commited adultary, so I was in that category of those in need of Christ and repentance. I found both at Riverbend. The pastor of the church and its staff actually eat and drink with sinners. Yes, it sounds horrible, but that's exactly what Jesus did. The list of sins for which Christ died is exhaustive, I'm sure, but what amazes me is that He did it at all. I'm glad He did, and I'm glad that Riverbend opens its arms to any in need of Christ. read more

I've been to a lot of churches and Riverbend is truly unique. They are true to the core doctrines of Christianity without being preachy, condescending, bores. Give it a try. I like the 11:15 service. read more

Riverbend Church is a GREAT bible based church!!! The campus is large with 3 very different services every Sunday. During each service there are numerous bible classes and groups arranged by age to attend. Their Out Reach Program, also, offer an array of opportunities to give back to the community. It's an extremely well organized and comfortable church to attend, and it's very easy to become an active participant. I just can't say enough good things about the church and it's pastor, Dave Haney. read more

What can I say? I am a delivery driver. I came to deliver some items for an event at the church. No one would help point me in the right direction. Someone from the party I was delivering too dropped half of the beverages and they rolled under my car...no sorry, no help picking them up. I was then told to wait by my car and see if any of the kids would help bring the items in. I had cases upon cases of items and all of the youth watched me struggle and not one person asked if they could be of assistance. I finally got everything to where I assumed it should go and said have a great night and wasn't at all acknowledged. The privilege and just overall lack of awareness by these people really broke my heart. This is a huge church and campus so I guess they don't feel they have to treat people with respect and they definitely don't feel they will ever be held accountable. I'm so sad and disappointed. This is what gives Christianity a bad name. This is why the broken don't come to your house....you are for those with money, beauty, and so forth. You are not friends to the needy and you all in this experience were so thoughtless and so rude and unkind I can't believe it honestly. It's a shame Riverbend. Your colors are clear. If you are not a rich privileged person...you don't get respect or love here. That's clear. I've called hoping to talk to someone because this is something that needs to be addressed across the Christian community. Christmas is in 10 days Riverbend and yet you all have 0 Christmas love. It's really a shame. read more

For now since I'm new to the church I'm going to give 5 stars, because it's a beautiful church campus, and I love the music, and I enjoy the pastors sermons. So far I love the church:)! read more

The actual church itself is pretty good. Nice community groups and pastors. However, the childcare on Sundays for age 3 and under is just not up to par. We witnessed my daughter being yelled at and on the way home she told us they were mean. If your child cries for any length of time, they will call you. With such great facilities, you think they could hire better people to watch the little kiddos! read more

Well, it's a mixed bag. We attended Riverbend for over a year. Some good points: the people are kind and welcoming, it's much easier to get involved here than in some other mega-churches that I've attended over the years, and the Biblical teaching is not as fluffy as one might expect from a church this size. The con that broke the camel's back? Nothing you won't find in a lot of churches these days: a prioritization of "masculinizing" Christianity at the expense of the women in their congregation. Specifically, we attended a couples bible study series and arrived to find a floor-to-ceiling black curtain hung down the center aisle of the auditorium. The head pastor, who was teaching the series, announced that it was there because (a) he was preaching about male lust and temptation and didn't want us "women" there to somehow distract our husbands from his teaching with any thoughts or inputs, and (b) this was how they did it back in the good old days when women were property, so we were going to reinact Biblical times (but with hand sanitizer dispensers on the walls). He then ordered the wives to sit on the far side of the curtain, while the men stayed where they were. Surprisingly, there was not a mass exodus - like good sheeple, we ladies headed over to the other side of the curtain, sat down, and spent the next hour staring at the side of the pastor's face as he talked exclusively to the men on the other side of the curtain about their important manly matters of male sexuality (which, as their wives, doesn't concern us ladies AT ALL, y'all). [/sarcasm] I admit, he did stop ignoring the ladies long enough to drop a few choice lines in our general direction, including the admonishment not to sit on the couch and stuff our faces with oreos because that would make it harder for our husbands to remain faithful to us. Yes, yes he did. Needless to say, I'm not interested in belonging to any entity that can't see the issue in treating 50-60% of its members in this way. And my husband walked out that night and his first words were to volunteer to leave the church before I'd overcome my shocked silence at what just happened enough to say anything. However, prior to this, I had nothing negative at all to say about the pastor or the sermons we'd heard there. And the people and friends we made while attending are lovely and we're still in touch with most. It's worth a shot, I guess, if you don't consider equality a hill worth dying on. read more

I am a person who hated big churches in the past (including River Bend) for all the 'hype' and 'big personalities on parade,' however I have recently visited River Bend again after having been away for several years and my opinion of this place has changed. In fact, I have been very moved by the services. Each time I visit, I laugh, I cry, and I feel a lot of gratitude toward God. It's not resurrection-powerful, but these days I'm just looking for something simple and sincere that goes along with scripture. Yes, it is modern, but I think the music and the message relate to the world in which we live. Furthermore, I feel the people who are preaching and singing are quite good at what they are doing, not to mention sincere... it isn't just a 'show'. The musicians are also really talented. Sure River Bend must have cost a fortune to build, the church and the grounds are so beautiful, but what a gift it is to this city. The people at River Bend make everyone feel welcome. It's a beautiful retreat from the hectic city - the environment surrounding the church is designed to promote interaction among people and awareness of God's majesty and love. River Bend is a wonderful place, but it doesn't pretend to be something it isn't. From my brief experience, River Bend folks are just ordinary people seeking to know and serve the Lord. read more