07/29/2026
5,960 days ago, we launched Riverbank Church with a dream to reach an unlikely community with the life-changing message of Jesus.
Almost immediately, a local family jumped in.
Matt joined the band. Rachel began serving in Riverbank Kids. And it didn’t take long for Penny g and me to realize there was something special about this young couple. They didn’t just attend Riverbank, they believed in the mission. They served. They sacrificed. They loved people. They got it.
Every church planter knows how important it is when God brings people like that alongside you. People who believe in the dream before there is much to see. People who stay. People who grow. People who carry the mission as their own.
Over these 5,960 days, we’ve had a front-row seat to watch Matt and Rachel become the leaders they are today. Through every season, they have faithfully lived out the words of 1 Samuel 12:24:
“But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.”
And God has done some wonderful things.
Now, as Penny and I prepare to move back to Florida and entrust this beautiful work in New England to the next generation of leadership, I couldn’t be more confident about Riverbank’s future.
Pastor Matt and Rachel, I love you both.
You are so much more than the couple who showed up in those early days. And Matt, you are so much more than the successor to my role as Lead Pastor.
You are family.
It has been one of the great privileges of my life to serve Jesus alongside you, watch God shape you, and now pass the baton to you.
I’ll be cheering you on and praying for both of you—for protection over your marriage and family, wisdom beyond your years, courage for every challenge, and godly voices around you for the journey ahead.
Thank you for saying yes all those years ago.
Thank you for staying faithful.
And thank you for carrying this rescue mission forward.
I believe with all my heart…
THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
Love you both,
Chris
