James River Weekday Preschool

Vibrant church with wonderful worship and the best, verse by verse preaching (hard to beat and could stand up to big radio names, IMO); you will hear unabashed, straight-up Bible teaching and a clear gospel presentation. They have wonderful kids' and youth programs and several ways to plug in and get involved, especially for being such a big church. They aren't perfect (I attend 😅), but go and see for yourself what this church is about, you might find that you stay!

I’ve truly loved my time at James River. I have felt the presence of God in powerful ways here, and I’ve appreciated the worship, teaching, and the heart for revival and outreach. It has genuinely helped me grow spiritually. However, I do feel it’s important to lovingly mention something that has been concerning. I have personally overheard multiple instances of gossip within the congregation — even from people who were serving alongside me. This has happened more than once, including at DFL and as recently as this week. Gossip is clearly unbiblical, and at times it has felt like there is a bit of a high-school clique culture present. I say this not in anger but with sincerity and love, because I know the church deeply desires to honor God. I still enjoy James River and am grateful for what it has poured into my life, but this issue has made me prayerfully consider exploring other churches as well.

You will not find a more biblically solid, God glorifying, unity driven, uplifting and empowering group of people than James River Church. The expository teaching style makes for everyone, no matter where you are on your journey with the Lord, to understand easily the word of God. The leadership and Lead Pastors are incredibly honorable and gracious people who love Jesus and believe in taking people on the journey with them. At James River Church you will not just find a community, but a home. I’m thankful to raise my babies here in a house that believes and sticks up for the truth of the word of God no matter what the world may say. All are welcome, and we always have a seat saved for you. Hope to see you sometime!

The message here leans hard on personal power, guaranteed results, and the idea that God’s favor rises or falls on your own intensity/"giving" (the usual Prosperity "Gospel" messaging). Over time it begins to sound less like the Gospel and more like a system of spiritual pressure, where suffering is treated as a failure and grace feels conditioned on your performance. It leaves little room for the mystery of God’s providence or the quiet, hidden ways He actually works. If you are hoping for something steadier, something shaped by the wisdom and sobriety that the Universal Church has carried for centuries, I would simply be cautious. Faith is not unlocked through technique, and God is not obliged by our formulas or declarations. There are communities where prayer is slower, deeper, and rooted in a peaceful tradition that does not demand spectacle to be real.

James River Church is wonderful! You can feel the presence of the Lord when you step on the property. The preaching is line by line in the Bible and it has impacted me so much in my spiritual growth. There are tons of services and events throughout the year that you can invite people to, which makes it easy to lead people to Jesus!