Our Staff

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In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands the mission for the church, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

Some of Jesus’ last words on Earth were for His followers to spread the Gospel, gather together for worship, and grow together in spiritual maturity. At The River Church we have dedicated teams to help us live out this command.

Elder Team

The Elder Team plays a crucial role in guiding and directing The River Church. Their leadership is rooted in Biblical knowledge, prayer, and experience, as they have been called to lead the church in the way of the Lord. As leaders, they strive to pursue wisdom in their responsibility, and decision-making. They provide the stability and direction necessary to navigate challenges, making key decisions that influence the direction of the church.

Pastor Josh Combs

Lead Elder + Reach Team Elder + Location Pastor: Goodrich

Pastor Jayson Combs

Locations Team Elder + Location Pastor: Waterford

Pastor Caleb Combs

Gather Team Elder + Location Pastor: Holly

Pastor Ryan Story

Family Team Elder

Pastor Roy Townsend

Grow Team Elder + Pastors Academy Administrator

Jill Osmon

Assistant to the Elder Team + Business Administrator

Locations Team

The Locations Team at The River Church plays a vital role in fostering community and spiritual growth. Under the direction of the Elder Team, each of The River Church locations is led by its own Location Pastor. Location Pastors are dedicated to connecting individuals within the church to one another and guiding them in their faith journey by teaching the Bible. Their mission is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can grow closer to God and each other.

Pastor Patrick Bicknell

Location Pastor: Walled Lake + Baby Pantry Director

Pastor John Carter

Location Pastor: Flushing

Pastor Caleb Combs

Gather Team Elder + Location Pastor: Holly

Pastor Jayson Combs

Locations Team Elder + Location Pastor: Waterford

Pastor Josh Combs

Lead Elder + Reach Team Elder + Location Pastor: Goodrich

Pastor Justin Dean

Location Pastor: Davison + Recovery Administrator

Debbie Gabbara

Assistant to the Gather Team Elder + Guest Services Administrator

Grant Grimes

Assistant to the Lead Elder

Pastor Chuck Lindsey

Location Pastor: Grand Blanc

Pastor Gary Wright

Location Pastor + River Students Director: Burton

Pastor Josh Yates

Location Pastor: Lake Orion + Pastors Academy Director

Katrina Young

Assistant to the Locations Team Elder + Food Bank Administrator

Reach Team

The Reach Team at The River Church is dedicated to spreading the Gospel both globally and locally. Partnering with global missionaries, the team supports efforts to share the message of Jesus Christ across the globe. Locally, they engage in community outreach, organizing impactful events that connect with individuals and meet tangible needs while sharing the hope found in the Gospel. Through their work, the Reach Team embodies a passion for making Jesus known to everyone, ensuring that the good news of His love reaches as many lives as possible.

Pastor Patrick Bicknell

Location Pastor: Walled Lake + Baby Pantry Director

Pastor Josh Combs

Lead Elder + Reach Team Elder + Location Pastor: Goodrich

Grant Grimes

Assistant to the Lead Elder

Katrina Young

Assistant to the Locations Team Elder + Food Bank Administrator

Gather Team

The Gather Team at The River Church plays a vital role in planning and preparing weekend gatherings and special events. They are responsible for organizing music and fostering a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who attends. They support fellowship and communication within the church, as well is in their local communities. Together, the Gather Team ensures a meaningful and engaging experience for all.

Pastor Noble Baird

Connections Director: Holly + Locations Security Administrator

Pastor Caleb Combs

Gather Team Elder + Location Pastor: Holly

Alyssa Fairse

Communications Coordinator

Michael Fox

Gathering + Communications Administrator

Chris Frezza

Worship Coordinator

Debbie Gabbara

Assistant to the Gather Team Elder + Guest Services Administrator

Rebecca Gillespie

Gathering Director: Davison

Mehgan Henke

Gathering Director: Walled Lake

Dave Hudgens

Gathering Director: Holly

Shawna Johnson

Communications Coordinator

Nate Ludwig

Gathering Director: Flushing

Zach Maluzhinsky

Gathering Director: Grand Blanc

Lorena Norris

Graphic Design Coordinator

Pastor Phil Piasecki

Gathering Director: Waterford + Young Adults Administrator

Adeline Sanchez

Worship Intern: Holly

Pastor Jules Schieferstein

Gathering Director: Lake Orion

Josh Thayer

Gathering Director: Goodrich

Grow Team

Education and mentorship are central to the role of the Grow Team. Through teaching and discipleship they help others grow, empowering them to become leaders themselves. They work closely with Growth Community leaders to foster Biblical wisdom, and a deeper understanding of God’s Word as they strive to help the church grow in their relationship with Christ.

Pastor Isaiah Combs

Next Gen + Connections Director: Goodrich

Sierra Combs

Women's Director: Holly

Pastor Justin Dean

Location Pastor: Davison + Recovery Administrator

Zach Honnen

Next Gen Director: Grand Blanc

Pastor Chuck Lindsey

Location Pastor: Grand Blanc

Pastor Phil Piasecki

Gathering Director: Waterford + Young Adults Administrator

Pastor Roy Townsend

Grow Team Elder + Pastors Academy Administrator

Jeannie Yates

Assistant to the Grow Elder

Pastor Josh Yates

Location Pastor: Lake Orion + Pastors Academy Director

Family Team

The Family Team at The River Church is dedicated to teaching and caring for children and youth, from birth until they graduate high school. Through engaging Bible lessons, fun activities, singing, and learning, they help kids grow in faith while fostering meaningful connections and relationships with families.

Stephen Billings

River Kids Director: Goodrich

Pastor Isaiah Combs

Next Gen + Connections Director: Goodrich

Marc Delcamp

River Kids Director: Davison + Physical Operations Coordinator

Justin Foroozan

River Students Director: Waterford

David Henke

River Kids Director: Walled Lake

Amy Hojnacki

River Kids Director (Infant-PreK): Waterford

Pastor Mitchell Holmes

Family Director: Lake Orion

Zach Honnen

Next Gen Director: Grand Blanc

Josh Peterson

River Students Director: Holly

Cathy Story

River Kids Director (Infant – PreK): Holly

Pastor Ryan Story

Family Team Elder

Karsen Theede

River Kids Director: Grand Blanc

Pastor Gary Wright

Location Pastor + River Students Director: Burton

Kylie Yates

River Kids Director (K-5th Grade): Waterford

Operations Team

The Operations Team ensures all physical aspects of The River Church are functioning smoothly. They take an active role in ensuring that buildings and vehicles are running effectively, as well as preparing spaces for events and gatherings. These roles often function behind the scenes but they provide every team with the tools needed to share the Gospel effectively. 

Brady Mikels

Physical Operations Coordinator

Doug Brady

Operations + Finance Administrator (Deacon)

Aaron Brown

Physical Operations Coordinator

Marc Delcamp

River Kids Director: Davison + Physical Operations Coordinator

Nicki Hudgens

Operations Administrator

Jill Osmon

Assistant to the Elder Team + Business Administrator