Who we are
Founded by Rev. Dr. Steve Cordle, The River Network International began in 2015 as the church planting arm of Crossroads Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For over a decade, we have been equipping church planters and disciple-makers from all around the world.
In 2022, TRNI was named a Strategic Partner of the Global Methodist Church. Since then, we have helped GMC Annual Conferences train and develop plans for hundreds of new churches.
The River Network International takes its name from the prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a stream trickling from God’s throne that grows into a deeper, wider river:
“…so where the river flows everything will live.” (Ezekiel 47:9)
Our mission is to make the living water of Jesus Christ increasingly available to the world by helping you to multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.
Our Philosophy: The Kingdom Multiplication Ecosystem
God created living things to exist within ecosystems—environments of interdependence. When even one animal or plant is removed, the entire ecosystem is affected.
In the same way, every believer and church exists within a Kingdom Ecosystem. Here, disciples make disciples; some disciples become disciple-making leaders; and some leaders go on to plant new churches. And because new churches are particularly effective at multiplying more disciples, the result is a thriving cycle of Kingdom life. If any element of this process is weakened or removed, the entire ecosystem is impacted.
The River Network exists to help you nurture your Kingdom Multiplication Ecosystem at every level: multiplying disciples, developing leaders, planting churches, and strengthening regional bodies (Annual Conferences).
Our Approach: Three Levels of Engagement
· Level 1 - Information: Introduction to multiplication concepts and practices.
· Level 2 - Application: Guidance and accountability for implementing these principles.
· Level 3 - Transformation: Refining of our convictions, spiritual health, and practices to enable us to be fruitful and faithful over the long haul.