OUR STORY

Riverside Porto International Church began as a small gathering of believers with a big vision: to create a welcoming space in Porto where people from all over the world could come together to worship, connect, and grow in their faith. Over the years, Riverside Porto has grown into a vibrant, diverse family united by a shared love for Jesus Christ. Today, we’re blessed to see people from many cultures and backgrounds worshiping side by side and growing together in faith.

2003 to 2023

Church Started in Aguda, Vila Nova de Gaia

During the summer of 2003, several unconnected people in Porto and Cascais started to believe that God wanted a new English-language church community in the North of Portugal. Later that year a team from Riverside International Church of Cascais (near Lisbon) and Christian Associates International, a church planting organization based in the USA and in Holland, met with the Porto-based mission team of Grace Brethren International Missions, an American missionary society, and with a number of individuals and church leaders in the city. The outcome of those meetings was that, after a year of planning and preparation, Bill and Tina Mason moved to Porto and the new church opened its doors in Aguda, Vila Nova de Gaia.

2013 to 2021

Move to Boavista, Porto

In October 2013, the church moved closer to the heart of the city of Porto, just off the Boavista roundabout. It was an opportunity to not only be in a more accessible and central location but also to be closer to our community. Riverside Porto shared a building with Comunidade Cristã Restauração, a Portuguese-speaking church. The bigger space was just what was needed for the church to grow and expand its ministries.

Leadership Transition to Carlos and Ria Silvéria

In January 2014 the founders, Bill and Tina Mason, stepped down from leadership pending their return to the UK and Carlos and Ria Silvéria have been chosen as the new leaders.

2021 to Present

Move from Boavista, Porto to Bonfim, Porto

In 2021 Riverside Porto separated from Comunidade Cristã Restauração, a Portuguese-speaking church and went on to stand alone. Due to the growing demand for the English-speaking community in Porto, the church moved to its new location in Bonfim to accommodate this growth.