ELDER TEAM
Josh Combs
Lead Pastor + Location Pastor: Goodrich
Josh grew up at what is now our Waterford location and joined the staff in 2000. Since then he has held many roles over the years starting as a Janitor, then intern, Kids Pastor, Men’s Pastor, Location Pastor, and then Lead Pastor. He met his wife Jen in 2001, they married in 2002, and now have 5 kids. If Josh isn’t studying, reading, or writing, he is helping out on the family farm.
Jayson Combs
Reach + Locations Pastor + Location Pastor: Waterford
Jayson has a passion and call to ministry that has led him to serve families in the Waterford community for over 20 years. He took his first role in full time ministry in 2000. Jayson enjoys spending time on the golf course with his wife, Laura, and their son. He is a big fan of Detroit sports teams, and collector of vintage He-man action figures.
Caleb Combs
Gathering Pastor + Location Pastor: Holly
Caleb has been on staff since 2008 and has served in many roles over the years. He loves his wife, Sierra, their three children, all things sports, games, and competition. He has a special passion for shoes, so ask him about his collection. Caleb’s life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 because it is a constant needed reminder to trust God for direction and guidance in all things.
ryan story
Family Pastor + Location Pastor: Burton
Ryan has served at The River Church since 2010. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Study and a Master’s Degree in Family Ministry with a focus in leadership. Ryan enjoys reading and listening to books, and spending time with his wife and four children. He likes to spend time outdoors and is always looking for a new adventure.
Roy Townsend
Growth Pastor
Roy first joined the staff in 1992 as he was attending university. Roy currently serves as the Grow Pastor which supports growth communities, sermon series publishing, Recovery ministry, and the Pastors Academy. Roy spends his free time with his wife, Brandy and his three children. You will typically find Roy's family at a football, basketball, or volleyball game throughout the school year. Above all, his desire is to love God's people through helping them grow in His Word.
Jill Osmon
Assistant to the Elder Team
Jill is the Assistant to the Elder Team at The River Church. Sensing a call to ministry and a passion for organization and logistics, she was blessed with the opportunity to serve on staff at The River Goodrich, formerly The Point. When not assisting, organizing, or planning, you can find Jill spending time with her family, friends, and specifically, her awesome niece Ada.
Locations TEAM
John Carter
Location Pastor: Flushing
John grew up in Japan as a missionary kid for 17 years. He loves spending time with his wife, Liz and their three daughters. John enjoys outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. Pumpkin pie is his favorite dessert!
Caleb Combs
Gathering Pastor + Location Pastor: Holly
Caleb has been on staff since 2008 and has served in many roles over the years. He loves his wife, Sierra, their three children, all things sports, games, and competition. He has a special passion for shoes, so ask him about his collection. Caleb’s life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 because it is a constant needed reminder to trust God for direction and guidance in all things.
Jayson Combs
Reach + Locations Pastor + Location Pastor: Waterford
Jayson has a passion and call to ministry that has led him to serve families in the Waterford community for over 20 years. He took his first role in full time ministry in 2000. Jayson enjoys spending time on the golf course with his wife, Laura, and their son. He is a big fan of Detroit sports teams, and collector of vintage He-man action figures.
Josh Combs
Lead Pastor + Location Pastor: Goodrich
Josh grew up at what is now our Waterford location and joined the staff in 2000. Since then he has held many roles over the years starting as a Janitor, then intern, Kids Pastor, Men’s Pastor, Location Pastor, and then Lead Pastor. He met his wife Jen in 2001, they married in 2002, and now have 5 kids. If Josh isn’t studying, reading, or writing, he is helping out on the family farm.
Justin Dean
Location Pastor: Davison + Recovery Pastor
Justin was born in Florida, and has lived in Minnesota, Illinois, and now Michigan. He graduated from The Moody Bible Institute with a major in Urban Ministry and has worked with recovering addicts since 2005. Justin loves seeing others be freed from sin by the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His hobbies include napping, playing video games, and board games with his wife Meg.
Chuck Lindsey
Location Pastor: Grand Blanc + Missions Pastor
Chuck attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murietta, CA where he graduated with a degree in Biblical Theology & Pastoral Ministry. He began serving in full time ministry in 1998 and has since blessed God’s Kingdom through a variety of roles. Chuck joined The River Church staff in 2016, where he has remained the Location Pastor at The River Grand Blanc. Chuck is married to his best friend, Oralia, and they have four incredible children. His hobbies include drawing, painting, wood work, leather work, blacksmithing, Calvin & Hobbes, (good) coffee, Crossfit and donuts.
Ryan Story
Family Pastor + Location Pastor: Burton
Ryan has served at The River Church since 2010. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Study and a Master’s Degree in Family Ministry with a focus in leadership. Ryan enjoys reading and listening to books, and spending time with his wife and four children. He likes to spend time outdoors and is always looking for a new adventure.
Josh Yates
Location Pastor: Lake Orion
Josh has graduated with multiple degrees from Corban University as well as Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He has had the privilege of serving God’s Kingdom in a variety of roles for over 25 years. Josh’s current role is Location Pastor at The River Lake Orion where he serves alongside his wife, Jeannie and their two daughters. He loves Apples of all kinds, can you say tech geek, golf, legos, movies, Tottenham Hotspur, the San Francisco 49ERS and the Sacramento Kings, he grew up in California!
Reach team
Jayson Combs
Reach + Locations Pastor + Location Pastor: Waterford
Jayson has a passion and call to ministry that has led him to serve families in the Waterford community for over 20 years. He took his first role in full time ministry in 2000. Jayson enjoys spending time on the golf course with his wife, Laura, and their son. He is a big fan of Detroit sports teams, and collector of vintage He-man action figures.
Chuck Lindsey
Location Pastor: Grand Blanc + Missions Pastor
Chuck attended Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murietta, CA where he graduated with a degree in Biblical Theology & Pastoral Ministry. He began serving in full time ministry in 1998 and has since blessed God’s Kingdom through a variety of roles. Chuck joined The River Church staff in 2016, where he has remained the Location Pastor at The River Grand Blanc. Chuck is married to his best friend, Oralia, and they have four incredible children. His hobbies include drawing, painting, wood work, leather work, blacksmithing, Calvin & Hobbes, (good) coffee, Crossfit and donuts.
Katrina Young
River Kids Director (Infant-PreK): Waterford + Assistant to the Reach Pastor
Katrina has served on staff since 2014. She serves families at The River Waterford as the River Kids Director for infant - 4 year old aged children as well as admin support for Pastor Jayson and the Waterford location. Katrina loves her job and feels blessed to serve the people of her community. Outside of ministry, she loves spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.
Gather TEAM
Cameron Aldrich
Gathering Director: Lake Orion
Cameron has been leading worship in song for the past eight years. He has a passion for leading the church to fully worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, to experience and encounter the presence of God as a corporate body. Cameron is married to Raeann; together they have two young daughters, and a fur baby named Maya. He lives and breathes worship music, enjoys camping in the summer, and is an avid U-of-M and Detroit sports fan.
Noble Baird
Connections Pastor: Holly + Locations Security Pastor
Noble grew up in Holly, MI and has been a member of The River Church staff since 2014. He is married to the love of his life, Haley, and proud father of Archer. You can find Noble at the gym or enjoying time with his family. Aside from his passion for ministry, he loves rock and country music, guns and knives, tank tops, and playing drums!
Caleb Combs
Gathering Pastor + Location Pastor: Holly
Caleb has been on staff since 2008 and has served in many roles over the years. He loves his wife, Sierra, their three children, all things sports, games, and competition. He has a special passion for shoes, so ask him about his collection. Caleb’s life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 because it is a constant needed reminder to trust God for direction and guidance in all things.
Leah Downs
Gathering Director: Davison
Leah grew up in Swartz Creek, Mi. For many years she lived in Ohio with her family doing full time youth ministry alongside her husband. However, music is her life long passion and she is thrilled to be a Gathering Director with The River Church. In her free time, you can find Leah spending time with her husband and four kids, along with playing music in other various settings.
Michael Fox
Communication Director + Gathering Director: Holly
Michael grew up in Goodrich, MI and has served on staff since 2003. Michael has a passion for technology and supports the worship and production ministries at all of our locations. He loves spending time with his wife, Shawna and his 3 children. Aside from technology, Mike is a fan of riding trails on his quad and drinking Mountain Dew!
Chris Frezza
Worship Leader: Goodrich
Chris was born in the Chicago area and moved to Michigan in 2004. He first began serving in music ministry when he was 14 years old and his passion for biblically-rich, God honoring music continues in his role as Worship Leader at The River Goodrich. Chris loves spending time with his wife and 4 children as well as cooking, especially steaks!
Debbie GaBBara
Assistant to the Gathering Pastor
A desire to serve God and others brought Debbie to The River Church staff in 2014. Her days are busy working with Pastor Caleb and the Gathering team and supporting the Guest Services areas for all locations. She loves studying God’s Word with other ladies, spending time with her husband and their family and friends, and is always ready to go on a road trip.
Kendall Hine
Communications
Kendall is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Oakland University, and is using her education to manage our social media platforms. She has been loving the adventure God has her on. Although she is still learning the ropes, she loves getting to tie her passions together with the Gospel! Aside from work, she enjoys thrift shopping and is often seen with a coffee in her hand.
Dave Hudgens
Gathering Director: Grand Blanc
David serves as Gathering Director at The River Grand Blanc. He is a passionate worship leader with a desire to model and teach a whole-life style of worship within the personal walk of every believer. At home, Dave and his wife Nicki are raising their three children to love Jesus and all things Michigan. During the summer, you’ll find the Hudgens family splashing around in Lake Michigan.
Nate Ludwig
Gathering Director: Flushing
Nate has led worship in various venues throughout Genesee County for the past 20+ years. He has recently joined The River Church staff in 2022 as Gathering Director at The River Flushing. Nate enjoys spending time with his wife, Liz, their two children, and playing with his dogs. His job as well as his love for travel, adventure, and desire to learn about new people have led him to many different places around the world.
PHIL PIASECKI
Gathering Pastor: Waterford
Phil graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor's degree in Communication. He has been on staff in some capacity since 2011. His passion is for leading the church in worship through music and seeing people deepen their relationship with the Lord. Often found serving alongside him is his wife, Mary and their two kids. He enjoys relaxing with his family, playing sports, and watching movies.
ADELINE SANCHEZ
Worship Intern: Holly
Growing up in a musical family, Adeline was drawn to serve the Lord through music from an early age. As a worship intern at The River Church, she brings a contagious excitement on stage as she wholeheartedly sings to the Lord. When Adeline is not leading worship, she enjoys having the privilege to serve young families through babysitting and pouring into the lives of young children.
Shawna Johnson
Communications
Shawna is a member of our Communication team here at The River Church. She enjoys brainstorming and coming up with new ideas and ways to communicate. Worshiping in song is one of Shawna’s favorite things, though admittedly she “has a voice only Jesus could love.” Shawna loves people and loves to laugh; send her all your favorite jokes! She adores her husband, Mike, and considers every day a new adventure with her children.
Cathy Story
Worship Leader: Burton
Cathy has served at The River Church since 2013. She has volunteered on worship teams for the past 17 years. Cathy also enjoys spending time with her husband and their four children. She also likes to read, go on walks and bike rides with her family, and cook.
Josh Thayer
Gathering Director: Goodrich
Josh has been on staff at The River since 2020. He’s a very passionate behind the scenes member of the team who loves helping people any way he can. He’s been married to his wife Emily since 2014 and together they have a beautiful daughter. He loves making people smile and feel at home.
Grow Team
Sierra Combs
Women's Director: Holly
Sierra grew up in Southern California and moved to Michigan for college in 2003. It is there where she met her husband, Caleb. They have been serving in ministry together since 2008, with her joining staff as the Director of Women’s Ministry at The River Holly in 2017. Sierra loves spending time with her 3 kids, playing games, and eating movie theater popcorn!
Justin Dean
Location Pastor: Davison + Recovery Pastor
Justin was born in Florida, and has lived in Minnesota, Illinois, and now Michigan. He graduated from The Moody Bible Institute with a major in Urban Ministry and has worked with recovering addicts since 2005. Justin loves seeing others be freed from sin by the life changing power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His hobbies include napping, playing video games, and board games with his wife Meg.
Randy Johnson
Education Pastor
Dr. Randy Johnson, often referred to as “Doc,” is the Education Pastor here at The River Church. He oversees and directs the Pastors Academy as well as the publishing ministry. Doc and his wife, Angela have been involved in ministry for over 40 years. They have two children and two grandchildren. Doc can regularly be heard sharing what has become one of our favorite sayings, “we are blessed to be a blessing!”
Roy Townsend
Growth Pastor
Roy first joined the staff in 1992 as he was attending university. Roy currently serves as the Grow Pastor which supports growth communities, sermon series publishing, Recovery ministry, and the Pastors Academy. Roy spends his free time with his wife, Brandy and his three children. You will typically find Roy's family at a football, basketball, or volleyball game throughout the school year. Above all, his desire is to love God's people through helping them grow in His Word.
Jeannie Yates
Assistant to the Growth Pastor
Jeannie serves on staff as the Assistant to the Growth Pastor. She has a passion for plugging
people into Growth Communities and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. Jeannie attends The River Lake Orion where her husband, Josh, serves as Location Pastor. They have two daughters, and enjoy watching movies and playing games together. Her Oregonian background has given her a love for rainy days and strong coffee!
people into Growth Communities and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. Jeannie attends The River Lake Orion where her husband, Josh, serves as Location Pastor. They have two daughters, and enjoy watching movies and playing games together. Her Oregonian background has given her a love for rainy days and strong coffee!
Family Team
Patrick Bicknell
River Students Director (6th-12th Grade): Waterford
Patrick grew up in Waterford, MI and has served on staff since 2019. His passion is working with students and sharing the Gospel. Patrick loves hanging out with his son, his friends, and his family, watching Marvel movies, all things sports, and is a huge University of Michigan fan.
Stephen Billings
River Kids Director (K-5th Grade): Goodrich
Stephen is our gentle giant in the River Kids department at The River Goodrich. His heart to serve children and families developed through his time at Clarks Summit University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Bible. After graduation, Stephen went on to work with foster children before joining The River Church staff. Stephen loves to serve alongside his wife, Annie and their young son, who is sure to greet you with a smile!
Brianna Breen
River Kids Director (Infant-5th Grade): Burton + Assistant to the Family Pastor
Brianna grew up and accepted Christ attending The River Church! She has blessed our ministry with her passion for teaching children and gift of organization since she joined our staff in 2019. Bri loves to witness God moving in the hearts of those around her. She loves spending her free time with her husband, Dylan and her closest friends. She enjoys playing instruments, making things with her Cricut, shopping, organizing, and decorating, among many other hobbies!
Elijah Edwards
River Kids + Students Director: Lake Orion
Elijah grew up in Pinckney, MI and attended Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, MI. His passion for working with kids and students has led him to serve as the River Kids and Students Director at The River Lake Orion. He loves writing, music, the outdoors, and rooting for the University of Michigan as well as all Detroit sports. He’s an encyclopedia for all things Transformers, Star Wars, and Anime among many other things too numerous to count.
Mitchell Holmes
Mitchell has been a volunteer in our River Kids ministry for several years until he chose to pursue full-time ministry and became part of the staff in 2019. Mitchell is our River Kids Director at The River Waterford. He has a degree in criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University. Mitchell enjoys eating Chipotle, taking naps, and drinking chocolate milk.
email Mitchell
James Mann
River Kids Director (K-5th Grade): Holly
James started as an intern at The River Church in 2014 and began working full-time in 2017. He is our River Kids Director at The River Holly. James received his bachelors in Elementary Education from Oakland University, M.Div in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary, and is in the process of getting his Ph.D. in Old Testament Biblical Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Outside of ministry, he loves music, the gym, and reading.
Katie Pettibone
River Kids Director (Infant-5th Grade): Grand Blanc
Katie grew up at The River Waterford, formerly Faith Baptist Church. She has always loved serving with kids which inspired her to get her bachelor's degree in science focused in Youth and Family Ministries. Katie has been blessed with the opportunity to serve as River Kids Director at The River Grand Blanc since 2021. She loves to hang with friends and family, listen to music, go on road trips, and read during her free time.
FERDINAND SANDERS
River Students Pastor (6th-12th Grade): Holly
Ferdinand joined the staff in 2020 as Gathering Director at The River Holly. He has always had a passion for people and music. In 2022, Ferd took on a dual role serving in Holly as the Worship Leader as well as Student Director. He loves playing and watching sports, and is optimistic that THIS IS OUR YEAR! when it comes to Detroit Lions Football.
JAZMINE SERIO
River Kids Director (Infant-PreK): Goodrich
Jazmine was born in Michigan, spent much of her childhood in Connecticut and has since returned to the Mitten. She has volunteered in children's ministry since she was a teenager. Her passion for the Lord and teaching children about Christ has led her to serving on staff at The River Goodrich. Aside from gathering with the church, she loves dog sitting and going on walks with friends.
Ryan Story
Family Pastor + Location Pastor: Burton
Ryan has served at The River Church since 2010. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Study and a Master’s Degree in Family Ministry with a focus in leadership. Ryan enjoys reading and listening to books, and spending time with his wife and four children. He likes to spend time outdoors and is always looking for a new adventure.
KEATON WASHBURN
River Students + Young Adults Pastor: Goodrich
Keaton graduated from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago with a degree in Youth Ministry. His passion for teaching students has led him to his role on staff as River Students Director since 2019. He loves spending time with his wife, Haleigh, particularly adventuring in the outdoors, rooting for the University of Michigan, and Detroit Tigers!
KYLE WENDEL
River Students + Young Adults Pastor: Grand Blanc
Kyle has served on staff since 2013. Though willing to serve wherever needed, his passion is for Student and Young Adult ministries. Student ministry has played a vital role in Kyle’s life and his desire is to be there for other students in the same way. He loves spending time with his wife, Jessica, and their two daughters. Some of Kyle’s other favorites include, eating pizza, anything Star Wars or sports related, hiking, and eating more pizza.
KATRINA YOUNG
River Kids Director (Infant-PreK): Waterford + Assistant to the Reach Pastor
Katrina has served on staff since 2014. She serves families at The River Waterford as the River Kids Director for infant - 4 year old aged children as well as admin support for Pastor Jayson and the Waterford location. Katrina loves her job and feels blessed to serve the people of her community. Outside of ministry, she loves spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren.
Operations team
Larry Gabbara
Operations Assistant
After working 45 years in retail, Larry retired in 2017. Knowing he never wanted to truly retire, when he was given the opportunity to work at The River Church as the Financial Bookkeeper, he started the very next day! Larry’s perfect day off is spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loves the University of Michigan, and all Detroit sports, especially the Tigers!
Bill Kinney
Operations
Bill has worked at The River Church since 2016. He serves the church by maintaining and repairing all of the church's vehicles. When Bill is not serving he enjoys hunting, camping, and riding his motorcycle.
John Stone
Operations Director
John loves to see people putting their gifts and talents to work for the glory of Christ. John has 18+ years of experience as a mechanical contractor which enables him to help keep our buildings running and create a welcoming environment. His passion is walking with the men of the church as they seek to love God and grow in His Word. He enjoys time with his wife, Erika and their four kids, working on their farm, fixing things, and traveling.