ABOUT
Our Pastors
Michael & Erica Yardley
Our lead pastors, Michael and Erica Yardley, have a heart for the greater Richmond, VA area and desire to see the lives of people in our city transformed by the life-giving message of Jesus. Michael is a gifted communicator who relates the candid life experiences of his journey to those he has the privilege of interacting and doing life with, offering a relevant picture of hope for a life transformed through his engaging sharing of God's truth. He has served in several pastoral positions for over fifteen years, affording him the opportunity to engage with audiences from all walks of life in, both stateside and abroad, at conferences, camps, churches, and every day connections made throughout the community. Michael earned his undergraduate degree from Liberty University in Religion and pursued graduate work in Ministerial Leadership at Southeastern University. He is also ordained through the Assemblies of God, a network of pastors ministering to over 70 million people across the globe.
Erica has been involved in ministry for nearly two decades, having served as a youth pastor as well as in various ministry roles at the collegiate level prior to marrying Michael. She has spoken at conferences, camps, seminars, and Bible studies, as well as engaged in cross-cultural missions. Erica earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Youth Ministry from Liberty University, then went on to complete her Master's Degree of Education in School Counseling at The College of William and Mary. After obtaining counseling experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, she went on to teach middle and high school at a private Christian college preparatory school, while serving alongside of Michael in youth and family ministry. Having received her promotion to motherhood, Erica enjoys her current season as a stay-at-home mom of five (all homeschooled), pastor, and owner of a photography business. Beyond any of their achievements, they want to be known as people who love God and love people.
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The Rise started in 2017 in pastor Michael and Erica's living room with just a handful of people. Back then, the dream was to have a truly welcoming church for everyone, where everyone had a seat at the table regardless of personal history, family background, ethnicity, or gender. The Rise hosted its first public gathering on September 17th, 2017.
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JESUS IS THE CENTER
RELATIONSHIPS MATTER
ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION
BELIEVERS ARE BRINGERS
GROWING IS CHANGING
LIVE OPENHANDED -
God
We believe in one God who eternally exists in three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and co-eternal, which is the Trinity.
Genesis 1:1-3; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3, 14; Colossians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Timothy 1:17Humans
We believe humans were created in the image of God and placed in a sinless paradise to have fellowship with him. But because of disobedience to God’s word, sin entered the world, fellowship with God was broken, and the relationship between humans became strained. Humans through their own efforts cannot restore this brokenness.
Genesis 1:26-27, 31; 3:1-8; 11:1-9; Romans 3:9-10, 23; 5:12-14; Ephesians 2:1-3The Gospel
We believe in the gospel: that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God and that He was crucified on the cross for our sins, and that He was raised from the dead three days later.
Matthew 16:16; Mark 10:45; Acts 26:23; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 20; Galatians 1:4; Colossians 1:15; 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:24; Revelation 1:5Salvation
We believe that all who believe the gospel are born again by the Holy Spirit and become children of God and heirs of eternal life. Thus, eternal life is totally a work of grace, a gift of god, and not a result of any good works or human effort on our part.
John 3:3, 5, 16; Romans 3:23-28; 5:1; 6:23; Galatians 2:16; 4:4-7; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5The Word of God
The Holy Bible, and only the bible, is the authoritative word of God. It alone is the final authority in determining all doctrinal truths. In its original writing, it is inspired, infallible and inerrant.
Matthew 5:17-18; Psalm 119:9, 11; John 10:35; 17:17; Romans 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 3:15-16The Christian Life
We believe in the ongoing process of spiritual growth of the Christian through the Holy Spirit and God’s word. Each person is to grow in their knowledge of God’s word and in developing and employing their spiritual gifts through the church so others may come to know Christ and the church be built up into maturity.
John 8:31-32; 14:16-17; 16:13; 17:17; Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12-14; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:11-14The Church
We believe the church is the body of Christ, which is made up of all Christ-followers. Its mission is to glorify God and make him known to the lost world. Every Christ-follower is an integral part of the church, creating a spiritual unity of brothers and sisters. The initial evidence for joining the church is water baptism, and the continual evidence of unity with the church is the Lord’s supper (communion).
Matthew 26:26-29; John 17:11, 20-23; 1 Corinthians 28:18-20; Acts 2:38; 8:12; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-25; 12:12-14; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22Last Days
We believe that Jesus Christ will physically return to set up his kingdom. This will occur at a time no one knows except the Father. At his return, the resurrection of Christ-followers and non-Christ-followers will take place. Heaven will be the eternal dwelling place for all believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The devil, who is working in the world to destroy the souls of people, along with all his angels, and all whose names are not written in the book of life, will eternally perish in the lake of fire, which is hell.
Matthew 4:1-11; 5:3, 12; 6:20; 24:30; 25:34, 41; Mark 9:43-48; John 8:24, 44; acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 9:27 evelation 14:9-11; 20:1-15; 21-22