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Living River is owned and operated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley. The Presbytery is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest Presbyterian organization in the United States. The Presbytery surrounds the Cahaba River in Central Alabama, the site of Living River, and encompasses 92 congregations in such cities as Anniston, Auburn, Birmingham, Eufala, Montgomery, Selma, Tuscaloosa and various areas in between.
The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley was formed in 1988 by a merger of several smaller Alabama presbyteries of long standing. Each of these presbyteries brought with it a deep tradition of camping, which has continued to be an essential part of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley
.Four miles of riverfront would be a dream come true for any retreat, but it is especially so in this case because the Cahaba is no ordinary river. Singularly rich in scenic beauty and packed with environmental treasures, the Cahaba is considered by experts to be one of the most ecologically important rivers in the Southeastern United States. It is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama and is home not only to a wide variety of plants but also to at least 135 fish species, including both rare fish and the more plentiful species sought by fishing enthusiasts who visit the river. One of God's masterpieces, it draws people from far and wide to enjoy countless opportunities for study, play, and inspiration.
 
In shaping its camping programs, the Presbytery has harnessed the gifts of its most talented educators, pastors, and lay people, who have provided first-rate curricula and a tremendous diversity of leadership across the camping ministry. The result of this work has shaped young lives, cultivated Presbyterian leaders, and provided generations of campers with treasured memories of fellowship and inspiration. Even some marriages in the Presbytery find their earliest roots in camp experiences.
 
There are vital evangelistic and environmental dimensions to Living River, he says. The camp and conference center will be a place to bring disadvantaged youths or school groups, for instance, for exposure to earth’s ecology.
“It’s an incredible place to teach about being a good steward of God’s earth,”
“There’s no time to listen to the still small voice when you are listening to your iPod or texting all day, We all have a calling, but that call is hard to hear when there’s no quiet time. If Jesus needed time to retreat in the wilderness,
In the years to come, it will also provide tens of thousands of people many chances to enjoy and study the river through such programs as church camps, conferences, and environmental education camps for children and youth in schools across the region.
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