A Traditional Baptist Church Between the Causeways
Riverside Baptist Church sits on N. Riverside Drive in Indialantic, halfway between the Eau Gallie Causeway to the north and the Melbourne Causeway to the south. The brick building is easy to find from I-95, US-1, or Florida A1A, and the church has been a steady presence on the barrier island since 1966. Dr. H. A. Dean, a graduate of Bob Jones University who holds the Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degrees, planted the congregation that year and remains its senior pastor.
The church describes itself in three words: independent, fundamental, and traditional. The motto at the top of its pages, "Church the way it used to be," captures the aim. Worship is rooted in hymnbook singing, expository preaching, and a doctrinal conviction that the Authorized King James Version is the preserved Word of God for the English-speaking world. The congregation is small enough to feel like a family and committed enough to keep a packed weekly calendar running.
Sunday on N. Riverside Drive
Sunday School opens the day at 10:00 a.m., with classes running for every age group in the church. The youngest children meet in the Age 2-3 and Ages 4-5 rooms. Grade-schoolers split into a Primary Class (1st through 3rd) and a Junior Class (4th through 6th). Teens have their own class for grades 7 through 12, while adults can choose between the Homebuilders' Couples Class and Pastor Dean's Class.
Morning Worship begins at 11:00 a.m. The preaching is concentrated Bible exposition in a traditional form of worship. While the adults are in the auditorium, children ages 3-5 head to Children's Church and grades 1 through 5 gather for Junior Church with Bible stories, songs, games, and treats. A nursery is available during every service for infants through age 2.
The day closes with a Sunday Evening Service at 6:00 p.m., giving the church a second opportunity to gather around the preached Word. Choir rehearsal takes place at 4:45 p.m. on Sundays for anyone interested in joining the music ministry.
Wednesday Nights Around Bible Study and Prayer
Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. is the midweek hub of the church. The Bible study and prayer meeting runs at the same time as two parallel programs for younger members. Kid's Club welcomes K5 through 6th grade for Bible lessons, Bible memory, games, arts and crafts, snacks, and friendships. The Teen Group, known by its nickname TNT (Teens Need Truth), meets in its own space with activities, conferences, and camp opportunities throughout the year.
What Riverside Believes
Riverside's doctrinal statement is plain-spoken and detailed. The church holds to Baptist distinctives and teaches that the Godhead exists in three Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son and God's substitute for sinners, and that the Holy Spirit seals, guides, and sanctifies every believer. Salvation is by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and believers are eternally secure in Him.
Other articles include a belief in a literal six-day creation, the imminent second coming of Christ as the "blessed hope," the personhood of Satan and his everlasting condemnation, civil government as a divine appointment, and the responsibility of the local church to carry out both foreign and domestic missions. Stewardship, the church explains, involves the believer's whole life and resources.
Where They Stand on the Issues
Riverside is unapologetic about its positions. The church holds no membership in any denomination, convention, council, or outside fellowship, and intentionally avoids ecumenical activities that it sees as designed to erase doctrinal distinctions. The congregation does not endorse the Charismatic Movement and does not identify with the "contemporary" worship style. Preaching, rather than entertainment, sits at the center of what the church does, and the Bible, the pastors say, is the final authority for faith and practice.
Ministry to Every Age
The church cares for its youngest members from the first weeks of life. The infant nursery covers newborns through age 2, and from there children move into age-graded Sunday School, Children's Church, Junior Church, and Kid's Club. The teen ministry pairs Sunday morning Sunday School with Wednesday night TNT, plus activities, conferences, and summer camp.
For women, the church hosts a Ladies Bible Study at the building on N. Riverside Drive, and a Homebuilders' Couples Class meets during the Sunday School hour for married adults. Pastor Stevens carries the youth portfolio alongside his role as assistant pastor, and Pastor Dean remains available for the broader needs of the congregation.
Pastoral Care, Outreach, and the Bus Ministry
Riverside takes seriously the call to walk with people through life. Pastoral care includes counseling, hospital visitation, home visits, and appointments with the pastor. Anyone needing a ride to church can call the church office to arrange a pickup through the Bus Ministry, which serves all ages.
Outreach is built into the weekly rhythm. The Soul-winning and Outreach Ministry meets at the church on Saturdays at 10:00 a.m., equipping members to share their faith in the surrounding neighborhoods of Indialantic and Melbourne.
Following Along Online
For those unable to attend in person, Sunday services are streamed online, and a video archive of recent services is available. Riverside also maintains a presence on Facebook and YouTube so the congregation and curious visitors can stay connected between Sundays.