Church Highlight: River of Life Church – Hattiesburg, MS

At the heart of River of Life is a clear mission: “We are a life-giving church where people from all walks of life are embraced. It doesn’t matter what ethnic, religious, or economic background you come from. We know that God has a purpose for your life and wants to have relationship with you.”

In more formal terms, the mission is rooted in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” The vision is to create a community of authentic believers and witness a city transformed by the life-changing reality of the Gospel.

What’s refreshing is how this plays out in practical ministry. The church offers River Kids for children, youth programs, life-groups for adults, and outreach teams that serve their city and beyond. It’s about relational discipleship, not just large services.

For any pastor reading this: this church models how the mission of Christ can be lived out in a community that’s genuine, down-to-earth, and deeply relational. It’s a reminder that ministry isn’t about perfect programs—it’s about real people being loved into the Kingdom.

Mike Ewoldt serves as Senior Pastor of River of Life, and Kim Ewoldt leads the Women’s Ministry alongside him. Mike came into the role with a clear leadership vision for embracing outreach, healing, restoration, and release—helping people not just attend church but find their calling. His social media presence and sermons show a heart for transformation, authenticity, and hope.

Kim’s voice emerges in her written reflections (for example her piece “God is in the small things”) where she talks about ministry in the everyday—how a kind word, a meal, or the simple act of presence matters. It’s an important reminder: ministry isn’t always about the big stage—it’s about faithful small things.

Pastor Mike and Kim’s partnership reflects how leadership can be collaborative and rooted in both vision and day-by-day discipleship. Their ministry background underscores that faithful ministry often grows out of humble beginnings, everyday relationships, and a willingness to stay the course.

This church reminds you that consistent presence, relational discipleship, and community can move mountains. Mike and Kim are doing ministry without the need for perfection—they’re leaning into faithfulness. And that is both humanizing and hopeful. So whether you’re launching a small church, leading a mid-sized congregation, or feeling the solitude of leadership, know this: you’re seen. You’re valued. The river of life is flowing, and you are part of it, not by being perfect but by being faithful.

Please join us this week as we celebrate and lift up our friends at River of Life Church in prayer! We are excited about all God is doing and will continue to do in and through them!