River Oak Church
River Oak Church is a community of believers led by a team of pastors in Chesapeake, Virginia. We are passionate about God and people. At River Oak we are about the Gospel and desire to be a place of grace.Â
A Warning About Falling Away from the Faith
How does someone fall away from the faith?
In this sermon from 1 Timothy 4:1–5, Pastor Blake walks through Paul’s warning that in the later times, some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and false teaching. This passage is a sobering reminder that every Christian must be watchful, discerning, and deeply rooted in the truth of God’s Word.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus...
Are You Serving Jesus or Just Attending Church?
What does the Bible say about deacons, servant leadership, and the kind of people God uses in His church?
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
To support this ministry and help u...
The Biblical Qualifications for Church Leaders
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/
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God's Order for Men and Women—Here's What Scripture Says
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/
Support the show
Why Prayer Is More Powerful Than You Think
Why should Christians pray for the lost?Â
In this sermon from 1 Timothy 2:1–7, Pastor Blake LaRussa explains why prayer is essential to the mission of the Church and how God uses the prayers of His people to advance the gospel.
This message explores:
Why God commands believers to pray for all people
Why Christians should pray for leaders and nations
God’s desire for all people to be saved
The power of persistent prayer
Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man
How prayer fuels evangelism and spiritual reviv...
How to Fight the Good Fight of Faith
What does it mean to fight the good fight of faith?
In this sermon from 1 Timothy 1:18–20, Pastor Caleb reminds us that the Christian life is not passive. We are in a real spiritual battle, and God has not saved us for nothing — He has saved us for mission. Through faith, a good conscience, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to stand firm, resist sin, and live with purpose.
This message challenges us to take God’s Word seriously, walk in repentance, pursue gospel community, and live on missio...
How to Overcome Guilt and Shame (What the Bible Says)
In this message from 1 Timothy 1:12–16, Pastor Zach Ginn looks at the Apostle Paul’s testimony and the overflowing grace of Jesus Christ. Paul had a painful past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and enemy of the church, yet Jesus showed him mercy and appointed him to ministry.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of Go...
False Teaching is More Dangerous Than You Think
In this message from First Epistle to Timothy 1:3–11, we dive into the importance of sound doctrine, and why it’s far more critical than most people realize. Paul warns Timothy about false teaching creeping into the church, and the danger isn’t always obvious. In fact, the most dangerous lies are often almost true.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we a...
The 3 Foundations of a Healthy Church
We’re kicking off a brand new series through the book of First Epistle to Timothy called Building a Healthy Church.
What actually makes a church healthy?
Is it the building? The size? The programs?
In this message, we walk through the opening of Paul’s letter and uncover three foundational truths that define a healthy, thriving church:
The authority of God’s Word
The importance of deep, Christ-centered relationships
The daily need for God’s grace, mercy, and peace
This letter was written to a young pastor f...
From Doubt to Faith: The Story of Doubting Thomas
In this message from John 20:24–29, we explore the powerful story of Doubting Thomas and what it teaches us about doubt, faith, and the resurrection of Jesus.
Even one of Jesus’ closest disciples struggled to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. Thomas demanded proof before he would believe. But when Jesus appeared to him, everything changed.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal envir...
The Triumphal Entry | Pastor Eric Hammen
March 29th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
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Titus 3:12-15 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
March 22nd, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Titus 3:1-11 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
March 15th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
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Pornography Addiction Doesn't Have to Win | EP 013
If you’re struggling with secret sin, lust, pornography, or worldly passions, this episode is for you. In this Live for More Podcast episode, we open Titus 2:11–15 and talk honestly about how the grace of God trains us to fight sin. This is not a conversation about guilt, legalism, or pretending everything is fine. It’s about real freedom through Jesus.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an infor...
Titus 2:11-15 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
March 8th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
The Truth About Submission and Gender Roles | EP 012
Today on the Live for More Podcast, we tackle one of the most debated passages in the New Testament: Titus 2:1–10.
This episode covers biblical manhood and womanhood, what submission is and isn’t, how the gospel brings dignity to the home, why the church needs every generation, and what to do with the Bible’s language around bondservants/slavery in the Roman world.
We also talk about identity—how the enemy tries to convince people they’re “too young” or “too old” to matter—and why Scripture insists that every believer has a real place in God’s mission.
False Teachers Are Everywhere—Here's How to Spot Them | EP 011
Hello friends — welcome to the Live for More Podcast.
Today’s episode is all about false teachers — and how to practice discernment in a world filled with AI deception, viral YouTube clips, podcasts, and endless “new” ideas.
We walk through Titus 1:10–16, and connect it to warnings in Jude and 2 Timothy 4 about itching ears, myths, and teachers who mislead people — sometimes while believing they’re right.
In this conversation, we cover:
- How to know you’re not being deceived
- Can someone teach sound doctrine and still be spiritually lost?
- Why your primary...
Is Sunday for Believers or Unbelievers? A Biblical Answer | EP 010
In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood tensions in Christianity: legalism vs cheap grace.
What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?
Is church primarily for believers or unbelievers?
What qualifies someone to lead a church?
And does grace mean we can live however we want?
Walking through Titus 1, we explore:
- The biblical role of elders and pastors
- Why Sunday gatherings exist
- Why churches aren’t businesses
- The danger of celebrity pastor culture
- How the gospel produces real godliness
Titus 2:1-10 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
March 1st, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
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Is Your Marriage Dead? Is Your Faith Dead? Watch This | EP 009
Welcome to the Live for More Podcast.
In this episode, we jump into Mark 16 and talk about what it means to live in resurrection power — to live with a hope that’s not wishful thinking, but certainty because Jesus rose from the dead.
We also address the question many readers notice: Why do some Bibles separate Mark 16:9–20? We walk through the manuscript discussion, why River Oak chose to err on the side of caution, and why the “abrupt ending” of Mark forces a huge question on every reader:
What are you going to do with th...
Online Church Isn’t Enough (Here’s Why) | EP 008
Hello and welcome to the Live for More Podcast.
In today’s episode, we talk about why online church is not enough, and why watching a service from home (even with cinnamon rolls on the couch) is not the same as gathering with the people of God. We also dive deeper into the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion and explore the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled at the cross, plus why the historical evidence for Jesus is stronger than many people realize.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a pass...
The Trial of Jesus: When the Crowd Gets Loud and Truth Gets Quiet (Mark 15) | EP 007
Welcome to the Live for More Podcast from River Oak Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. In this episode, Pastor Zach sits down with Pastor Eric to talk about two things many believers want help with:
- How to study the Bible faithfully
- How to teach it clearly—at home, in a group, or in the church
Pastor Eric walks through his real sermon preparation process—how he studies verse-by-verse, identifies themes, builds a clear outline, and then connects the text to real life in Chesapeake in 2026. You’ll also hear practical recommendations for tools like s...
The Safest Place in a Fearful World Is at the Feet of Jesus | EP 006
Welcome to the Live for More Podcast from River Oak Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. In this episode, Pastors Zach and Caleb discuss how followers of Jesus are called to live with courage, discernment, and faith in a season marked by fear, compromise, and cultural pressure.
Using Mark 14:53–72, the conversation focuses on Peter’s denial of Jesus and the powerful question it raises for every believer today:
Are you following Jesus closely — or at a distance?
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passio...
Living for Yourself Is a Dead End — Here’s What Actually Leads to Life | EP 005
Welcome to the Live for More Podcast, a new podcast from River Oak Church. In this episode, Pastors Zach and Caleb explain the heart behind the new name and dive deep into Mark 14, where Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and abandoned by those closest to Him.
This conversation explores a question every human wrestles with:
Is there more to life than living for myself?
Through the lens of Scripture, we look at three common responses when faith is tested:
- Fighting with the world’s weapons
- Fleeing in fear and self-preservation
...
Guarding Against False Teachers | Pastor Blake LaRussa
February 22nd, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
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The Gospel Produces Godliness | Pastor Blake LaRussa
February 15th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Mark 16: 1-8 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
February 8th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Why So Many Christians Fall Away (And How to Stand Firm in 2026) | EP 004
Welcome to the Live for More Podcast. In this episode, Pastors Zach and Blake talk honestly about new year goals, spiritual habits, family worship, and the real danger of drifting from the gospel.
As we step into a new year, many of us feel motivated to make changes — but good intentions alone won’t keep us faithful. Scripture shows that even confident believers can fall away when their confidence is rooted in themselves instead of Christ.
đź“– Key passages include Mark 14, Deuteronomy 6, Galatians 1, Isaiah 53, and John 3:16.
If you’re feeling spiritually weary, unsure about your fait...
Struggling to Feel Joy This Christmas? Watch This | EP 003
Hello and welcome to the River Oak Recap Podcast! In this episode, Pastors Zach, Eric, and Caleb talk about joy — and why biblical joy is not the same thing as happiness.
Joy can feel cheesy or unrealistic, especially during the Christmas season. But Scripture shows that joy isn’t something you manufacture by fixing your circumstances. Joy begins when you recognize that God is present — and it’s rooted in hope that the way things are now is not how they will always be because of Jesus.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family o...
Anxiety Taking Over? Here’s How to Get Peace Back | EP 002
Welcome to the Live for More Podcast! In this episode, Pastors Zach, Eric, and Caleb talk about peace — what it is, what disrupts it, and how Jesus offers a peace that the world can’t manufacture.
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are...
Hope in the Fullness of Time: A Christmas Conversation on Redemption & Adoption | EP 001
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/
Support the show
Mark 14:53-72 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
January 18th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Mark 14:43-52 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
January 11th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
The Garden of Gethsemane | Pastor Blake LaRussa
January 4th, 2026
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Christmas Eve | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
December 24th, 2025
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Joy Comes from God | Pastor Eric Hammen
December 21st, 2025
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Announcement to the Unlikely | Pastor Eric Hammen
December 14th, 2025
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Why Jesus Came Down At Christmas | Pastor Blake LaRussa
December 7th, 2025
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
The Dark Night | Pastor Zach Ginn
November 30th, 2025
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
Mark 14: 1-11 | Pastor Caleb Waldrop
November 23rd, 2025
At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God’s Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you’ve been, and join us!
Support the show
