Our Story

How it all started...

The River Church started at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church in Keizer, Oregon in 2014. Pastor Lew and Lorri Wootan were handed the baton from Pastor Jim & Shannon Banke. They have continued to work together to grow this church into a community fellowship to reach out to Salem with the powerful gift of Salvation. This church is a place to change, encourage and grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and other Christians.

The church moved to a hotel meeting room where they had to clean, set-up and tear down every week. The continued growth motivated another change to a storefront on Portland Road in Salem.

Expanding the vision...

The River Church for Change continued to grow and expand into 4 different suites at the storefronts on the south side of Portland Road. In March 2020, when many churches closed down - we stayed open. The church is ESSENTIAL! Like Hebrews 10:25 says:

"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer."

We were outgrowing the building, so we moved across the street and met in the parking lot, during the summer, until we gained occupancy of our new building.

Where we are headed...

Our vision is to share that Jesus loves you and that He has a plan for your life! We are reaching out to Salem, Oregon, the United States of America and the world. Come join us!