Featured Image: Group Credit: Tom Phiri; L-R: Pennias Phiri (Reformed Church in Zambia), Oliver Wakelin (World Renew), Malissa Huillery, Jonathan MacKereth and Erin Wagstaff (River Community Church), Benjamin Phiri (Reformed Church in Zambia) during a visit to celebrate Youth Village Savings and Loans programs.
“I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” Amos 5:24 NLT
In Edmonton, Alberta, The River Community Church has fully embraced this scripture: inspiring its congregation to embody the heart of Jesus and aligning their ministry with the compassionate vision of their Heavenly Father.
Although their leadership structure differs from most traditional churches in that they don’t have ordained deacons, Pastor Dale Melenberg and Social Justice Director, Malissa Huillery, have cultivated a strong sense of social responsibility among their members that aligns with the CRCNA’s Deacon’s Mandate:
“In imitation of Christ’s mercy, deacons teach us to love God, our neighbours, and the creation with acts of generous sharing, joyful hospitality, thoughtful care, and wise stewardship of all of God’s gifts. Deacons offer holistic responses that respect the dignity of all people, working to change exploitative structures and systems, equipping the church for ministries of reconciliation and peacemaking, and seeking opportunities for advocacy.”
Where it Began
The River Community Church was planted in 2002 by Pastor Bruce Gritter and his wife, Sharon. As the church grew in size and impact, they moved into various locations around Edmonton. Upon Pastor Gritter’s retirement, the church extended a call to Pastor Dale and his wife, Gloria. The Melenbergs arrived in the summer of 2020 and began their ministry that September.
Pastor Dale recalls that when considering joining the church, he looked into The River’s ministries and “was impressed by their strong commitment to community engagement and the meaningful projects they had accomplished and were accomplishing.”
Pastor Dale emphasized that, in short, justice is ingrained in The River’s DNA, and everyone is committed to bringing the harmony of the Gospel to life among humanity, both locally and globally. As Pastor Dale often says, “It takes a village to be a village”.
“It Takes a Village to Be a Village”
For Pastor Dale, he actively contributes to the mission through preaching and worship, focusing on local social justice issues. He believes that God’s words inspire personal transformation and uses participatory learning to facilitate this work of the Holy Spirit. “We are challenged by Christ to become like Him in word and deed, forming a transformed community of learners in His footsteps.”
Pastor Dale also works with Malissa Huillery, the part-time director of social justice ministers at The River.
Malissa shared that her favourite part of serving as Director of Social Justice at The River is the meaningful work she is engaged in. While addressing injustice can be challenging and lead to compassion fatigue, she finds solace in knowing God embodies righteous anger against injustice. The most rewarding moments include witnessing tangible changes, such as welcoming a refugee family in Canada and receiving their heartfelt message.
She also cherishes the church’s partnership in Zambia. The church has also partnered with the Madzimoyo community in Zambia for 18 years, showing dedication to both local and international support. The church does an annual trip to Africa. Malissa notes that small project teams in Zambia make planning, fundraising, and logistics easier. “We strengthen our relationship by keeping team members updated and connecting them with Zambian partners, fostering returning visitors who share testimonials that inspire others. Our 18-year partnership is key to our success, with a focus on supporting our partners rather than traditional ‘mission’ work.”
The entire church is familiar with the annual trip and team members are prepared by learning ‘Helping Without Hurting’ principles of community engagement and an orientation session by World Renew. A send-off dinner featuring previous travellers allows new participants to ask questions and share experiences, encouraging recruitment for future trips. A notable example of the impact of these mission trips is when a participant returned home inspired to join a local social justice group, demonstrating how transformative experiences abroad can lead to meaningful action at home.
Closer to home, the church runs a monthly book club that features titles like Maude Barlow’s “Still Hopeful”, showing its commitment to justice and service in the community. They have organized social justice conferences that help the greater Edmonton area, inviting well-known speakers like Romeo Dallaire, Phan Thi Kim Phuc, and James Orbinski. During Christmas, they held a “Christmas in style” for 110 women in shelters and provided financial help to two local agencies that support those in need.
They collaborate with the Bissell Centre, a local organization that works to eliminate poverty and help individuals and families deal with the effects of poverty. Getting their children involved, The River’s Children’s Ministry Coordinator has successfully engaged them in campaigns like the “Drop Your Gonch” initiative, encouraging kids to donate underwear while fostering teamwork and a sense of accomplishment.
Together with Ebenezer and Inglewood CRCs, The River has also supported refugee initiatives.
Although some ministries have decreased since COVID-19, their mission remains unchanged: Loving People. Igniting Faith in Jesus. Transforming Lives. The River Church has adopted a whole-community approach to social justice, recognizing that collective action is far more effective than individual efforts. By engaging all congregation members – young and old – and collaborating with local businesses and interfaith partners, the church has had a significant impact in their local community and beyond!
Begin Your Justice Journey Today!
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Psalm 89:14
Finding people within your church who are equally passionate and share your commitment to justice will help your church begin this journey. Whether your church is ready to partner with a local business or simply start with a monthly ‘justice’ book club, equipping and empowering your members to pursue justice is part of our calling as followers of Christ.
To help deacons and churches get started, there are helpful resources available on the Diaconal Ministries Canada website and through the CRC Canadian Justice Ministries:
- Sign up for a Justice Workshop (general one for churches, and one deacon-specific one);
- Start advocating for various justice issues in Canada
- Join a Hearts Exchanged learning cohort;
- Organize a Book Study on The Inconvenient Indian, put together by the CRC Canadian Indigenous Ministry Committee
- Get to know your local community with a Community Opportunity Scan or use our Intro to Community Partnerships resource!
Contact Your Coach or Connect with your local RMDs for help today!
