OUR LEADERSHIP

The staff team at The River Community Church is a vibrant group full of passion, heart, and a deep commitment to God’s work. United by our mission—Loving God, Loving People, Impacting the World—each member brings unique gifts and stories, using them to spread God’s love and grace in every service, every ministry, and every interaction. We’re serious about furthering God’s Kingdom and advancing the Gospel, but don’t take ourselves too seriously, bringing joy, laughter, and genuine support wherever we go. Driven by a shared purpose, we are dedicated to creating a place where all can experience the transformative power of God’s love.


Lead Pastor

Steve is the husband to the most patient woman in the world and father of six awesome kids. He and his wife Melissa moved to Cookeville in 2001 to start The River and love seeing God change people's lives. When Steve is not pastoring he enjoys hanging out with friends and family, camping, and coaching soccer.


PASTORS & DIRECTORS

Meet our team! Click on each photo to glimpse the heart behind the role.


TJ OVERSTREET

Executive Pastor

CARISA TURNER

Admin & Communications Director

DEAN McKENZIE

Marriage & Life Groups Pastor

HEATHER McAFEE

Missions & Outreach Director

MELONIE WAGNER

Women’s Ministry Director

PAUL STOUDER

Connections Pastor

ETHAN BOHANNON

Worship Pastor

ETHAN WOODS

Creative Director

ALEX FISHER

College & Young Adult Pastor

JIM FOX

Student Pastor

NATHAN STRONG

Children’s Pastor

 

MINISTRY LEADERS AND SUPPORT STAFF


CINDY WILSON

Lead Pastor’s Assistant and Prayer

COLLEEN MARTIN

Executive Administrative Assistant

LINWOOD HEIRONIMUS

Reception, 55+ Ministry Coordinator, & Care Ministry Pastor

ERIKA BLAIR

Pre-School Coordinator

LAURA RICCI

River Kids Programming Assistant

MAKAYLA FISHER

River Kids Childcare Assistant

MISTY MEADOWS

River Kids Ministry Assistant

TRACIE SIMMONS

Hospitality Coordinator

DEVIN MCCRACKEN

Audio Engineer

JAMES PATTON

Facilities Supervisor and Restored Ministries Coordinator

BRYANNA LEMANSKI

Facilities

 

ELDERS

David Burnett, Travis Giffey, TJ Overstreet, Tony Patoto, & Steve Tiebout

Ministry Interns

Rashelle Hurtado - Missions Intern

Mary Grace Dancy - Connections Intern

Ashton Brown - Worship Intern

Sophie Koester - Worship Intern

Sam Luke - Creative Intern

CJ Kilgore - Gathering Intern

Lucas Payne - Gathering Intern

Lydia Tiebout - Gathering Intern

Chris Turner - Gathering Intern

Chris Ricci - Collision Intern

Eziah Easter - Collision Intern

Samuel Correll - Middle School Intern

Leah Tiebout - Pre-School Intern

Reese Giordano - Resident Intern