River Deep, Mountain High
For many years now, there has been a significant increase in the flow of worship songs emanating from particular churches and church streams, where the life and times of a body of believers is carved into a song which subsequently resonates with thousands of others around the globe. Some of the more notable sources include Bethel, Hillsong, Elevation Worship, Vertical Worship, Elim Sound, Bright City, Gateway Worship and Planetshakers. However, there is a new name on our lips, reviewed in magazines, noticed by congregations and included in playlists, and that name is River Valley.
Hope Has A Name
Relatively new to the UK and other European countries, Essential Christian’s customised collection featuring eleven of River Valley’s impressive and spirited songs, will undoubtedly change that scenario. This collective of musicians and singers, based at various River Valley Church locations across the greater Minneapolis area of Minnesota, USA, write as a response to what they see God doing in their church and region.
‘We are committed to continually resource our local church and the body of Christ with new worship songs and a deep passion to see people connect with the living God in a real and personal way,’ explains Worship Pastor Ryan Williams. ‘Everything we hope to contribute to the creative culture of the Global Church is a simple extension of the mighty move of God that is happening right here in our local gatherings.’
And judging by the eloquence of the lyrics and the anthemic nature of the music, it seems there is plenty of hope, promise and vision in River Valley.
World Needs Jesus
An impassioned cry, highlighting the division, brokenness and injustice around the world, turns into a loving declaration of the need for Jesus to be known as Saviour. Originating from one of River Valley’s young worship leaders after watching news on TV about school shootings and riots on the streets, the song migrates into a prayer revealing one of the most evident of their core themes, which is a heart for people to know Jesus and to know healing.
Adding an authenticity to this song is the knowledge that their church is raising up 500 missionaries to go into all the world to share the good news of Jesus. There is something very powerful and motivating when a song reveals a story, putting legs onto the lyrics thereby transforming the music into a manifesto, one that is Jesus-centred and charged with hope
Calvary’s Shadow
Another consistent theme within their writing is their response to the price Jesus paid on the cross. ‘My sin and shame overcome by my Saviour’s scars, My Jesus, my life surrendered to you alone,’ are just a few of the heartfelt words from the atmospheric ‘Calvary’s Shadow’. With a melody, piercing enough to convey immense gratitude, it also manages to retain the necessary ingredients for congregational sing-ability. And this is where River Valley score high, no doubt due to their immersion as pastors and worship leaders within the actual life and service of their church.
Your Presence
In a video interview with CCLI, band members Ryan Williams (who incidentally has written for many others including Chris Quilala and Kutless and co-wrote the exuberant ‘In The River’ for Jesus Culture) and Clinton Allen explain how the response from their local church when introducing new songs becomes an integral part of the song honing process. Williams clearly embraces the fact that he represents and serves his Church and community and that stepping into the ‘anointing in the house’ brings a God momentum.
Listening to ‘Your Presence’, ‘I Am Healed’, and ‘All For The One Who Saved Me’, it’s easy to imagine River Valley Worship in situ, pouring out their praise whilst encouraging others to lean into their Saviour and Healer, creating a unified longing for the presence of God. And it doesn’t stop there! This longing for the presence of God is then channelled into a positive desperation to see the light of Christ bring hope into the world. ‘Hope has a name, his name is Jesus.’
This album full of gems introduces eleven specially selected songs including ‘Hope Has A Name’, ‘Calvary’s Shadow’ and ‘World Needs Jesus’ from River Valley Worship and reveals the heart behind their music and writing. Other versions of ‘Hope Has A Name’ and ‘Calvary’s Shadow’ can be heard on ‘Unlimited– Live Worship From Spring Harvest’ and ‘Spring Harvest’s New Songs For The Church 2019’.
Together Magazine
Together is the Christian resources magazine for the UK, with stories of what God is doing across the church today, book reviews and publishing industry news. Subscribe now at www.togethermagazine.org.