Riverbend Church pulled out all the stops for its 40th Anniversary on Aug. 25. The celebration highlighted the storied history and accomplishments of a church that has helped transform thousands of lives spiritually, emotionally, and practically – here in Austin and all around the world.
The campus-wide party saw thousands of long-time and more recent attendees, and hundreds of new-to-Austin individuals and families – including some of this city’s greatest influencers.
Food, fun and games followed Riverbend’s 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. worship services, which feature traditional, contemporary and very modern music styles. The event was also live-streamed and hosted by Riverbend attendee Brad Booker of Mix 94.7’s morning show.
Riverbend Church began in 1979 as the vision of trail-blazing pastor, author, and spiritual radio/TV personality, Gerald Mann, who set out with a handful of innovative, courageous families to create a church unlike any other.
From its inception, Riverbend sought to ‘reach the cynical, the unchurched and the skeptical’ with the hope-filled news of healing, love and acceptance found in God’s grace. As the church grew from the original sixty to over 400 in a few short years, the church moved in 1985 to its current location on the 360 Loop near Pennybacker Bridge.
After founding Pastor Gerald Mann was stricken with Parkinson’s disease, current senior pastor Dave Haney stepped in to take the reins in 2005. With an average Sunday attendance of over 2,100 and a total of 10,000 who call Riverbend home, the current campus features the 2,400 seat Home for Hope, a state-of-the-art children’s and student Center, the Smith Family Chapel, and a newly-renovated community center designed to bring everyone together.
“Riverbend is Austin. It is a true reflection of the diversity and creativity of the city of Austin,” explained Haney. “Riverbend is all about celebrating second-chances and new beginnings.”
Since 2005, Riverbend has been part of missional outreach in underserved areas of Austin like the Rundberg and South Austin neighborhoods, and have led to strategic partnerships with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Community First! Village.
Outreach efforts have led to spiritual, practical and community betterment in areas such as El Salvador, Piedras Negras, Mexico, Russia, South America, and the Dominican Republic, with exploratory visions set on other in-need areas of the world.
“Riverbend believes the truth that ‘to whom much is given much is required,’” Haney said. “It is the mission and vision of Riverbend to help make Austin a better place for all people. It is a community that seeks to be a blessing even as we have been blessed.”
Submitted by Kevin Hedges, pastor of creative arts at Riverbend Church.
