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 daughter Amelia and going on adventures together.
CHUCK COX
Chuck has been the Treasurer since August 1, 1995, now co-laboring with Laurie Mattila in the discharge of treasurer duties. He was saved at The River December 2, 1979, when it was Glad Tidings and has been attending ever since. He is a husband to Joann, celebrating 41 years of marriage, Dad to two sons Samuel and Victor and Grampa to their combined total of six boys! He holds two degrees from UMD and is a Vietnam veteran of the US Army. Some of his favorite memories are participating, along with Jo and the boys, in numerous church-sponsored medical mission trips to Nicaragua 1994-2006, as well as DTS with Mercy Ships 2002.
RACHEL KOTANEN
Rachel has been working as the Communications Director since 2023 but wears many hats. She is the voice behind our weekly announcements and is involved with everything from event planning to organizing and leading mission trips. She holds an honors degree in Kinesiology and is currently working towards an Associates of Arts in Church Ministry. She is an author, podcaster and has been known to speak on occasion. She has a passion for helping others grow in their walk with Christ, navigate Christian dating and sharing the wisdom and knowledge God has given her through her own transformation into a Woman-of-God. She enjoys her dog and travel-companion Russ, hunting, fly-fishing, flower gardening, cooking (especially authentic African cuisine) and quality time with friends and family.
PASTOR ROLLAND & LINDA FERRELL
Rollan and his wife Linda and have been attending The River Church since like 2007. He has been serving on the deacon board since 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. In his downtime, his family love camping and serving in ministry together.
PASTOR CHRIS & ROSIE PARSONS
Chris and his wife Rosie love to serve the Lord and support the church. Chris and Rosie have been married since 2017 and have 4 children together. His passion for music and worship started when he was attending youth group, which has led him to where he is now, serving as the Worship Pastor since 2023. Chris believes that excellence in music is important, but even more so the hearts of the people on the team and their love for the Lord. He sees that The River Church is full of people who have a heart to worship God! "Planning for the spontaneous moment" is his core value on the team and he loves to help everyone in the church grow in their worship of Jesus.