The pastor of a nondenominational church that officially opened at Bennett’s Creek last weekend said Riverbend is “very pleased” with the response from the neighborhood so far.

Bobby Hill, a full-time faculty member at Regent University since 2010, moved his church to its first dedicated space from Covenant United Methodist Church on Dock Landing Road.

It had more recently been meeting for Saturday night services at the Chesapeake location after starting out at the Harbour View Hilton Garden Inn 2 ½ years ago.

The new, leased location in Bennett’s Creek Square on Shoulders Hill Road spans 6,600 square feet, featuring a sanctuary seating about 200, a welcome center, classrooms, a multipurpose room, a small kitchen and even a café — “HeBrew Café,” no less.

“We have tried to create an environment that’s kind of non-churchy and yet gives a level of comfort,” an on-location Hill said Friday, after a “grand celebration Sunday” — including ribbon-cutting ceremony — last weekend.

Inside the sanctuary, though the original space was low-ceilinged, joists were removed to open it up.

The church has sophisticated audio-visual technology and lighting, which Hill said he likes to utilize in support of whatever message he happens to be preaching.

The pastor is excited that the new location has allowed the church to switch to Sunday services, beginning at 10 a.m.

About 25 pastors from a variety of different churches attended last weekend’s celebration, Hill said, including one who flew in for the weekend from Brussels, Belgium.

Business and community leaders also lent their support, he said, adding, “We had quite a diverse and multicultural group.”

Hill says he has spent a lot of time during the past 12 to 15 years building leaders and church organizations overseas, usually in the developing world.

The associate professor in Regent’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Biblical studies and Christian ministry department described Riverbend, part of Vanguard Ministries, which he leads, as “a nondenominational church that’s evangelical in doctrine but charismatic in worship.”

Hill said he is excited that Riverbend now has a new, dedicated home; but he’s also already looking to the future.

“It’s almost like you finish a race, you cross the finish line, but at the same time you know you have to refuel your tank and be ready to race again,” he said.

The church won’t be where it is now on a permanent basis, Hill said. “We want our own property and building,” he said.

“We are already almost to capacity on Sunday. We are already trying to think of what the next step will be.”