Here's where you get to know the team at The River. Of course it's just a snapshot so you'll have to stop in and meet us in person. We can't wait to meet you!
PASTORS PAUL & JULIA RIVARD
Paul and Julia have a love for Jesus and a passion for people. They started on staff as Youth Pastors in 2009 and Paul has been Lead Pastor since March 2015. Julia serves as the Children’s Pastor. Their desire is to see people step into their destiny and identity in Christ. They especially love to equip people to overcome obstacles in their lives. They believe victory comes through the Word of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the faith community. They enjoy dancing with their kids, a good pizza, and hanging out by Lake Superior.
PASTOR DAN & NATALIE BRADY
Pastor Dan & his wife Natalie joined The River Church staff in April of 2023. Dan serves as the Youth & Young Adult Pastor. His desire is to see the youth of this generation grab onto the real things of Jesus. To have Jesus be a reality in their everyday lives. His heart is to raise disciples and help make soldiers for the kingdom. Since starting, he has seen the ministry begin to grow and thrive as the Lord is doing a mighty work. Dan and Natalie find joy in spending time with their amazing, fun and joyful daughters Amelia and Ellaria, and going on adventures together.
CHUCK COX
Chuck has served as the Treasurer since August 1, 1995, and has recently taken on bookkeeper duties. He was saved at The River on December 2, 1979 (when it was Glad Tidings!), and he has been attending ever since. He is a husband to Joann, celebrating over 40 years of marriage. He is also Dad to two sons, Samuel and Victor, and Grampa to their combined total of seven children! He holds two degrees from UMD and is a Vietnam veteran of the US Army. Some of his favorite memories are participating with Jo and the boys in numerous church-sponsored medical mission trips to Nicaragua from 1994-2006, as well as DTS (Discipleship Training School) with YWAM Mercy Ships in 2002.
PASTOR ROLLAND & LINDA FERRELL
Pastor Rolland and his wife Linda have been attending The River Church since 2007. He began serving on the board in 2008 and now serves as the Facilities Pastor. He is also a Chaplain at Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge and finds much joy in being a dad to 7 children, grandfather to 13 grandkids and a great-grandfather to 5 great-grandkids. His family loves camping and serving in ministry together.
PASTOR CHRIS & ROSIE PARSONS
Chris and his wife Rosie love to serve the Lord and support the church. They have been married since 2017 and have 4 children together. Chris’ passion for music and worship started when he was attending youth group, and he has continued to grow in his gifts and passion since then! He has served as the Worship Pastor since 2023. Chris believes that excellence in music is important, but he is even more passionate about cultivating a love for the Lord and heart for worship in members of his team. He sees that The River Church is full of people who have a heart to worship God! The core value that guides Chris in his ministry is “planning for the spontaneous moment.” He loves to help everyone in the church grow in their worship of Jesus.