Since 1916, Riverside has boldly adapted to follow Jesus, reach people, and make disciples—now, in 2024, we’re creating more space to equip intentional disciple-makers in relational environments.
THE VISION
It all started in 1916. When our pastor couldn’t reach people by bike, he put on his stilts to cross the flooded lowlands. By 1923, Riverside planted a second church and began boating Bible teachers to Pine Island in 1928. By 1956, we were known as the friendliest church in town, finding ways to reach people—and we still do. We sent out buses, launched a school, and rebuilt after Hurricane Donna. We broadcasted on radio and TV, served in prisons, worked with the hearing impaired, and supported those battling alcohol addiction. We started a counseling ministry and a radio station. Riverside takes bold steps to obey Jesus. We’re not afraid of deep water. We risk the ocean. We cross the street. We go beyond the walls. Since the beginning, we’ve adapted our plans to follow Jesus, reach people, and make disciples. In 2024, that means putting intentional disciple makers into relational spaces—and we need more room to do it.
"I am excited about our mission—to make and send disciples who love and live like Jesus. And I’m excited about better using our land to accomplish it. We’re building relational space for intentional disciple-makers!"
Lead Pastor, Steve Pruitt
SECURE KIDS SPACE
Expanding and remodeling the kids' area to include a new auditorium and a secure, welcoming, and efficient check-in space for enhanced safety and functionality.
OUTDOOR AUDITORIUM
Creating a spacious, comfortable outdoor auditorium with fans and sunshades to accommodate growth and support student ministry and community activities.
COMMUNITY SPACES
Transforming Riverside's 36 acres into a vibrant community space with fire pits, trails, pickleball, a soccer field, and a playground to foster connections and meaningful relationships.
BLUEPRINT
Our vision is to create spaces that inspire connection, discipleship, and growth—inside and beyond the walls of Riverside.
Message from matt and steve
ANN RANDALL'S STORY
Ann Randall joined Riverside over 2 years ago and shares how Riverside has impacted her journey with Christ and finding a church community.
Phil Kape's Story - Using Riverside's outdoor space
Hi, my name is Phil Kape. Like many men, I fell into a routine after work—watching TV, eating dinner, and spending time with my family. While those moments were meaningful, I found myself craving deeper friendships and a way to take care of my health. To cope, I was taking acid reducers for my heartburn and sleep aids for my insomnia, all while consuming large amounts of soda and sugar-laden foods.
Then, about 18 months ago, God placed an opportunity in my life that changed everything. My good friend John Bodner had just moved back to Florida, and after church one Sunday, he approached me and asked if I’d be interested in working out together. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was curious enough to give it a try.
I’ll never forget showing up to Riverside for my very first F3 workout. I quickly realized just how out of shape I was—I could barely keep up. But the encouragement of the men around me kept me going. Now, fast forward to today: I’ve lost 30 pounds, I feel stronger and healthier than ever, and I actually look forward to every workout.
But it’s about so much more than fitness. The men I’ve met have become like brothers to me—some of the best friends I’ve ever had. This isn’t just a workout group; it’s a community of faith-filled men supporting one another physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thanks to them who supported me along this journey! Especially my wife for putting up with the 5 am alarm.
Rachel Pierce
Rachel Pierce speaks to the inspiration that lead to the Beyond the Walls logo and magnet. With years of creating beautiful art and her time here at Riverside she was able to bring parts of the vision to life through her painting.
01 Seek
Spend time praying for the lost friends in your life and for your neighbors. Ask God how he might use you and our campus to build relationships. Ask God what your part might be in their lives and in this campaign.
02 Listen
Be part of what God reveals to you. Is he calling you to build relationships? Is he calling you to invest and to help?
03 Respond
Start now in stewarding the time and resources God has graciously provided you. When you’re ready, partner with us to help create more room beyond the walls.
