In 2013, Pastor Stephen Yeem, while studying at Fuller Theological Seminary, perceived the strategic importance of church planting in Austin after reading news about high-tech industry entering Austin. Later, while pastoring at River of Life Christian Church in Silicon Valley, he continued to seek God concerning church planting in Austin. His whole family also went to Austin twice for vision trip. After clearly receiving the call at the end of 2022, they officially moved from the Bay Area to Austin in June 2023 and began the ministry of River of Life Christian Church in Austin (ROLA) in his home.

After slightly more than a year of not having a regular place to meet (they had used hotel conference room, restaurant, theater), in November 2024 the Lord led them to lease a 6200 sq ft space which is convenient, visible, and spacious (main sanctuary can seat 200 and there are 6 classrooms). Currently, the church’s membership is close to 100, with four cell groups. As 1/3 of the congregation is children and teenagers, the church focuses on developing next generation’s ministry. At the same time, they are also vigorously developing online ministry. The church’s YouTube channel has nearly 40,000 views and a total viewing time of more than 5,000 hours. The theme of the church in 2025 is "Set Sail and Go," believing that the Lord will lead them to deep waters, especially in the areas of encountering the Holy Spirit, children and youth ministries, and mission.