STUDENTS


"The Bridge exists to guide students to take their next steps to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ."

At The River, we believe in raising up the NOW generation to become all God has created them to be. These environments provide middle and high school students a place to encounter God, connect with others, and align their lives with His mission. Our heart is to see our students meet Jesus, grow in their faith, and influence the culture and community around them.

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Middle School Meetups

For Who? 6th–8th grade students
When? Thursdays at 6:30pm OR Sundays at 8:30am, 10:00am, or 11:30am
Where? The Bridge Room at The River Church, North Campus
(759 S Lenfesty Ave, Marion, IN 46953)

Middle School Meetups are the best place for middle schoolers to.... meet up. Whether your student joins us on Thursday night or Sunday morning, they’ll experience a high-energy environment designed just for them. Expect PopTarts, wild games, unforgettable stories, relevant teaching, and small group conversations led by incredible adult leaders. Meetups are built to help students move from “mom and dad’s faith” to a faith of their own—through weekly messages that are interactive, engaging, and tailored to how middle schoolers actually learn. Students won’t just hear God’s Word—they’ll learn how to study it, talk about it, and live it out. Plus, each week they’ll head home with tools to keep the conversation going with you. Middle School Meetups make it easy for your student to grow in faith, build friendships, and belong.


Our team will be waiting at the first-time check-in station where you can tell us a little about your family. To prepare ahead of time, you can fill out the New Family Pre-Registration Form. 

New Family Pre-Registration Form

High School Nights

For Who? 9th-12th grade students
When? Sunday nights (times vary, see below)
Where? The Bridge Area at The River Church, South Campus
(5316 S Western Ave, Marion, IN, 46953)


High School Nights is for high schoolers... and it's at night. This generation is hungry. We believe they are the NOW generation. And High School Nights serves to equip the now generation to go all in with Jesus now. High School Nights is where high schoolers from across the county come to find purpose, build community, and go deeper in their faith. Come for passionate worship, messages that hit right to the heart of a high schooler, awesome small groups of like-minded peers, and lots of avenues for students to lead. 

Now meeting at our new South Campus, students will experience a space designed just for them—complete with a full gym, a dedicated worship room, and plenty of spots to hang out and connect. Each Sunday looks a little different (see below), but every night is crafted to help students know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. 


*High school students are encouraged to sit in Sunday morning worship with their parents and friends*

Listen to Our Worship Playlist
Bridge Nights

Bridge Nights

When? Second Sunday of every month, 6:00–8:00pm

 Once a month, we go big with Bridge Nights—our high-energy, invite-friendly service. There's a different them every month! Bridge Nights feature full band worship, big games, free food, and an after-party atmosphere that makes it the easiest night of the month to invite a friend. These nights are designed to meet students right where they are and make them feel like they belong from the moment they walk in. If you've never tried High School Nights, this is the night to jump in!

Regular High School Nights

Regular High School Nights

When? All Sundays, except the 2nd, 6:30-8:00pm.

 Most weeks are Regular High School Nights—focused on discipleship, connection, and spiritual growth. Students can expect acoustic worship, teaching that speaks directly to their world, and small groups led by adult leaders who are passionate about walking alongside them in their faith journey. These nights are slower, deeper, and designed to help students take real steps in following Jesus.




I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

- Psalm 89:1

Parent Involvement

Your greatest impact on your student is your ongoing love and support for them. We believe that parents play a crucial role in helping their students get involved in student ministry. We know that your calendar is very full. We know you already spend lots of time in your car going to and from school. We believe that your student is at a critical age where their values are being shaped and influential relationships are being formed. It is imperative that God be a part of this pivotal season. Here are three practical ways you can be involved in your student’s spiritual growth and church life:

  • Encourage consistent attendance and therefore encourage spiritual growth
  • Offer to bring your student’s friends so they feel confident walking in
  • Follow up church events with spiritual conversations to help them grow deeper

    • Serve With Us

    Do you have a heart for students? Want to be a part of seeing students know God and become ambassadors for Christ in their schools? Want to be involved in crazy games, powerful small group discussions, or just be a positive influence in the lives of the NOW generation? This is the team for you!

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    BAPTISM SUNDAY
    Baptism Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Baptism Class is offered on the last Sunday of each month in The Gathering Place. Click this banner for more info.
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    WHEN ARE SUNDAY SERVICES?
    8:30, 10:00, and 11:30AM at our Marion Campus and 10:30am at our Chesterton Campus... with kids and student programs geared specifically for them, that coincide with the adult services!
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    DISCOVERY 101
    Discovery 101, helps you uncover how God has uniquely designed you and how to use your gifts to make a difference. You’ll also learn more about who we are and how to make The River your home!
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    THURSDAY SERVICES LAUNCH
    Beginning August 7, 2025 there will now be an available Thursday Service (exactly like Sunday) at 6:30pm every week at The River (Marion Campus).