Connect...Grow...Lead

The River is a church where you can Connect to Jesus, Grow in Jesus and ultimately Lead for Jesus. Through dynamic worship and impactful teaching on Sundays to engaging small groups and community outreaches throughout the week, we are a community where individuals grow spiritually and make an impact in the world around them.

About The River

Circa 2011

River Church Lake Charles, “The River,” was launched in 2011 by Pastors Kevin and Elizabeth Burns. After serving as children’s pastors for over 10 years in Alexandria, LA, the Burns’ sensed the Lord leading them to Southwest Louisiana. Services began with one service in the Cinemark Movie Theater inside of the Prien Lake Mall in September 2011 and has now grown to 3 services on Sunday, over a dozen Connect Groups throughout the week, a Bible College (River College), and true COMMUNITY of believers dedicated to Connecting to Jesus, Growing in Jesus and Leading for Jesus.

Meet the Pastors
We can’t wait for you to join us

What To Expect


  • Expect Jesus

    The Bible says that "wherever two or more gather in His name, then He is there with them." You can expect Him to show up in a real, tangible way that brings life and life more abundantly.

  • Expect Holy Spirit

    The Bible say the Holy Sprit is the teacher, helper, counselor and more. At The River we rely fully on the Holy Spirit to lead and direct every aspect of our church services and ministries.

  • Expect Hope

    Hope for the hopeless, love for the unlovable, acceptance for the lonely, peace for the stressed, and a future for the forsaken.

  • Expect Family

    The Bible says that we are of the "household of faith". When you show up, you are family. Race, gender, ethnicity, political and denominational backgrounds are checked at the door. You're welcomed. You're accepted. You're loved.

Our Beliefs

We invite you to explore our beliefs and join us in our pursuit of living out our faith in boldness and passion.

  • The Trinity

    We believe in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.


    Scripture References:

    Matthew 28:19; Luke 3:22

  • The Bible

    We believe the Bible is God’s Word.

    Scripture References:

    2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21

  • Jesus

    We believe in salvation through Jesus’ blood and calling on His name.


    Scripture References:

    Romans 10:9-10, 13; 2 Peter 1:20-21

  • Baptism

    We believe in water baptism in the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and with the authority in the name of Jesus.


    Scripture Reference:

    Matthew 28:18-19

  • Baptism Of The Holy Spirit

    We believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of a supernatural prayer language but it's not required for eternal salvation.


    Scripture References:

    Acts 8:15-17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; Acts 2:4

  • Healing

    We believe in divine healing through prayer.


    Scripture References:

    Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14-15; 1 Peter 2:24

  • Praise & Worship

    We believe in praise and worship as taught in the scriptures.


    Scripture References:

    Psalm 100, 150; Ephesians 5:19

  • The Second Coming

    We believe in the rapture of the Church and the second coming of Jesus.


    Scripture References:

    I Corinthians 15:52-57, Acts 1:11

  • Jesus And The Church

    We believe Jesus is the Head of the Church and has delegated His authority to His body to carry out the Great Commission and to live a holy life.


    Scripture References:

    Matthew 28:18-19; John 21-15-17; Romans 12:1-2