Ok, we know that we can’t have a name like River47 and not explain what it means. With that in mind, this page is dedicated to the meaning of our name. For the story on how the name came to be, click on the “our story” tab.


River47 is a direct reference to Ezekiel 47:1-12, which is a book and chapter in the Bible. Written sometime between 592-570 BC, Ezekiel had a vision of a river giving life not only to the land, but to everything and everyone it touches. Ezekiel’s prophecy recognizes that the world is not as it should be, and at the same time points toward a hope that someday everything will be made right.


The river in Ezekiel’s vision begins its flow at the center focal point of Israel’s worship, the very altar of the temple itself. From that small trickle, its flow miraculously expands through desert regions so that by the time it reaches the dead sea it is a rushing torrent too deep or wide for any one to cross or swim on their own. The river though is not there to bring death or destruction, rather in Ezekiel 47 it flows to bring life and healing to everything it touches. In Ezekiel’s vision even the waters of the dead sea become fresh and that place where once nothing lived, now teams with life.

A key verse reads “So where the river flows everything will live.” Ezekiel 47:9.


As we thought about what a church should be, this idea of a river bringing life struck a strong chord in the heart of our congregation. We long to see ourselves not as some bastion locked up and against the world, but rather rushing out to meet it and bring the life, hope and message of Jesus so desperately needed today.


While River47 may sound trendy, this is not our intent. Rather, in choosing this name, we were aware that often congregations tend to lose their focus and vision. By placing our vision right in the name we are hoping that the truths and focus of Ezekiel 47 as it relates to the church will always remain fresh within us.

Very soon you will be able to open this page to learn more about the people who worship here at River 47. We're certain that you'll discover how diverse our congregation is!