Frequently Asked Questions

About River College Church

  • River College Church is a Christian church community in Pittsburgh that primarily serves college students and young adults. Our church is located near several universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Duquesne University.

    Our community is made up of undergraduate students, graduate students, and post-graduate mentors who desire to grow in their faith together during the college years and beyond.

    The vision of River College Church is to help college students discover who Jesus is and grow deeper in their relationship with Him. As students explore faith and build meaningful friendships, we hope to inspire them to share the love of God with others on their campuses and in the wider world.

  • During the school year, Sunday services are typically held at Winchester Thurston Upper School.

    During the summer months, gatherings are often held in the church office space located at the Pittsburgh Design Center.

    If you are planning to visit, it is always best to check the church website or announcements for the most current meeting location.

  • River College Church is a community of believers in Pittsburgh committed to helping college students discover who Jesus is and grow deeper in their relationship with Him.

    Our desire is to see students experience the love of God, grow in their understanding of the Bible, and learn how to live out their faith during college and beyond. We also hope to encourage students to share the love of Christ with others on their campuses and in their communities.

Visiting & Sunday Services

  • During the school year, River College Church typically meets at Winchester Thurston Upper School for Sunday services.

    A typical service includes a time for people to connect and get to know one another, followed by worship through music, a sermon from the Bible, and an opportunity to reflect on and discuss the message with others.

    After the service, many people stay to share lunch together and spend time building friendships within the community.

    Sunday services usually last about 1 to 1.5 hours, and visitors are always welcome to join.

  • No sign-up is required. Visitors are welcome to simply come and join a Sunday service.

  • The dress is casual. People typically come as they are, and there is no specific dress code.

  • Sunday services usually last about one to one and a half hours.

Beliefs & Faith

  • River College Church holds to historic Christian beliefs centered on the Bible and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

    We believe the Bible is God’s Word and the authority for faith and life. We believe in one God who exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that Jesus Christ came to reveal God and bring salvation to humanity.

    For a full explanation of our beliefs, you can read the church’s statement of faith here.

  • No. Everyone is welcome to attend, including Christians, people exploring faith, and those who are curious about learning more about Jesus and the Bible.

    Many college students visit while they are asking questions about faith or learning more about Christianity. River College Church hopes to provide a welcoming environment where people can learn, ask questions, and grow.

  • People are welcome to participate in the life of the church at whatever level they are comfortable with.

    As a church, we believe that Christian community involves more than just meeting for an hour on Sundays. We value building meaningful relationships, supporting one another spiritually, and sharing life together.

    At the same time, each person chooses their own level of involvement as they balance church life with school, work, and other responsibilities.

Community & Church Life

  • River College Church seeks to build close relationships centered around God and His Word.

    The goal is to grow spiritually together while encouraging one another in faith, friendship, and daily life.

  • Yes. There are several ways to connect outside of Sunday services, including Bible studies, small groups, and fellowship gatherings connected with Acts2Fellowship.

    These smaller gatherings allow people to study the Bible together, build friendships, and support one another during the week.

  • Yes. Many members of the community spend time together through small groups, fellowship gatherings, and informal hangouts.

    People often enjoy spending time in one another’s homes, sharing meals, and doing life together as a community.

College Students & Mentorship

  • Mentors are older members of the community who want to help college students thrive spiritually and personally during their college years.

    They often provide encouragement, guidance, and support as students navigate faith, academics, and life decisions.

  • River College Church provides a variety of opportunities for students to grow spiritually. These include discipleship materials, Bible studies, retreats, mission trips, mentorship relationships, and opportunities to serve others.

    Through these experiences, students are encouraged to grow in their understanding of the Bible, develop their relationship with God, and learn how to live out their faith.

Getting Connected

  • Yes. River College Church is connected with Acts2Fellowship, a college fellowship that helps students build Christian community and grow in their faith during their time on campus.

  • If you would like to get connected or learn more about the church community, you can fill out the connect form here.

    After submitting the form, someone from the church will reach out to help you learn more and find ways to get involved.