Get to know our leaders
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Dr. Andy Merritt
LEAD PASTOR - Email Andy
A pastor for 23 years, Andy has a heart to see faith in God impact lives. He believes that our relationships with God should change how we live. Married to a wonderful wife Janelle they have three kids. Andy holds a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary and an M.Div from Wesley Seminary.
In addition to being a pastor, Andy actively works to promote church multiplication around the United States. He oversees Church Planter Assessment for The Wesleyan Church. He is the author of three books, Eden (a novel), Completely Reckless, and Resonant Frequency. -
Carl Merritt
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Many know him as fuzzy….or big guy….or bubz…..or papa Merritt. They are those who love me unconditionally…..those who laugh at my endless nonsense….those who enjoy hanging out, serving the Lord and growing together.
An amazing wife, four great children and their spouses, lots of fun grandkids and an amazing Rivertree family who serves a great God are the they’s that bless me every day.
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Chris Neville
YOUTH PASTOR
Chris Neville is a devoted husband and father of four who is passionate about ministering to the teens of Rivertree. Having spent many years at Christian Camps he is both inspired and awestruck at God’s awesomeness, and how he works in the hearts and minds of young people.
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Diane Merritt
Director of Children’s Ministries - Email Diane
Diane has a heart for children after raising four of her own. She seeks out and creates creative experiences that help our kids better understand the God who loves them. When she is not leading Rivertree Kids, she is an accomplished painter and leads Bible studies in inner city Jackson.
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Derek Cornwell
DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP MINISTRIES
Derek has been involved in worship ministry for over two decades. -
Carol Williams
SPECIAL NEEDS ADULT PASTOR
Carol Williams has been ministering to Special Needs adults for seventeen years. She brings creativity and authenticity to her leadership and teaching as she oversees both our Tuesday evening SNAP Gathering, and SNAP 2.0 which meets Thursdays at the Reed Manor apartments. In her free time Carol loves to read and she and her husband enjoy exploring the countryside on their Goldwing.
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Our Elder Board
Nick Rush
Chris Neville
Julian Chase
Carl Merritt
Brian Wood