They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and
You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures." Doctrinal Statement
We believe there is only one Supreme Being, God Almighty. He exists as a triune being, who manifested Himself to the world
through Jesus in the flesh and the Holy Spirit who now indwells all believers. We believe God revealed Himself and His plan of salv
ation through His
inerrant Word, The Holy Scriptures. All things pertaining to life and
godliness, and success and prosperity are found in them. We believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
who was born of a virgin; crucified on the cross; buried; and raised again. He is the way the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Him. We believe that every believer is saved for good works. Therefore
it is the responsibility of the church to perfect the saints to do these works. It is also the responsibility of the saints to study to show themselves approved
unto God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Rivers of Joy Bible Fellowship is committed to developing believers who consistently
practice - DISCIPLESHIP. (This is only an excerpt of our major beliefs.) Christian Training
Rivers of Joy will train members to become disciples. Member training is either
in-house or customized, as need dictates. The following sessions comprise the Member Training:
•Church Ordinanaces
•Baptism and Communion
•What it means to be a disciple
•Spiritual Gifts
•Evangelism
•Tithing and Giving
•Standards for Rivers of Joy Bible Fellowship
About Our Pastor
Rev. Dr. Marion Criddle
Pastor
Rivers of Joy Bible Fellowship Church
District Heights, Maryland
"I trust the Lord to use me however He wants to use me. Anyone hungry or in need of the Word will receive it if our paths cross." If there were a word, or phrase to sum up the unique passion that God has given you, what would it be?
“Feed my lambs…Tend my sheep…[and] Feed my sheep” John 21:15-17
How has that passion worked its way into the purpose of your ministry at your church? The emphasis on making the word of God an integral part of everyday life is reflected in the church’s motto. The motto is an acronym for DISCIPLESHIP—Doing Instinctively, and Spontaneously Christ’s Instructions Pertaining to Living Exemplary, Sanctified, Holy and Inspired Personalities. As always, souls for the Kingdom are the number one priority, but it is the word of God that will do the reproofing, correction and instruction in righteousness to equip and complete us for good work. As a ministry we take every opportunity to feed or tend Jesus’ lambs or sheep—whether in the foreign mission field; with the young people visiting my home, Sunday School, VBS or in informal rap sessions; at the nursing home; in a senior’s recreation center; at the jail; or in the written word distributed through the “Launching into the Deep” newsletter. Anyone hungry or in need of the word will receive it if our paths cross. What group of people has the Lord laid heaviest on your heart? The broken-hearted, the un-churched wanderers and the shepherdless sheep. This is reflected in my doctoral dissertation, The Care of Shepherdless Sheep: Surrogate Shepherding. Note: Lambs and sheep may be shepherdless even though they are on a church roll. Often they are lost in the numbers of mega-churches or reticent about their issues, thereby, they are without a comfortable place to turn for help. What are the unique challenges of ministering in the DC Metro area? The economics of staffing resources to effectively reach the wanderers is difficult. For example, the salary ranges of good musicians are unreachable for small churches and it takes time to grow your own. The beauty of it all is that God provides in spite of these challenges. What is your favorite scripture? Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
