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. Steve has a deep passion for church planting and raising up leaders. These days, one of his favorite titles is Papa T—a name proudly given to him by his grandson. When he’s not pastoring, Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, and cheering on his kids in their various adventures.
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