Sundays 9 am & 10:45 am
Hello,
It's nice to meet you.
Ryan Poling
LEAD PASTOR
After graduating college and becoming a teacher for 10+ years, God called Ryan into full-time ministry at The River. He has a heart for families to know and embrace the truth about Jesus Christ and to see lives radically changed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Making and growing disciples is his passion as we open up God's Word together and seek to become more like Christ.
Ryan is married to his wife, Charissa, and they have four children. He loves to play sports, coach his kid's teams, spend quality time with his wife, and study God's Word.
Ryan graduated with a B.A. in Kinesiology / M.A. in Ministry and Leadership
Kent Roberts
EXECUTIVE AND FOUNDING PASTOR
Kent (a.k.a. "pk") is passionate about his relationship with Jesus and being "all-in" as he pursues this exciting journey of following his Savior. He is first-and-foremost a fully devoted follower of Jesus; engaged in making and growing disciples through sharing his faith with people he meets, teaching God's Word, and using his gifts in pastoral leadership. Kent is the founding pastor of The River and is excited to now serve as The River's Executive Pastor as our journey continues through a progression of leadership. He absolutely has a blast being a part of The River community.
Kent loves doing life with his wife Rouze', their two amazing daughters and sons-in-laws, their seven phenomenal grandchildren, and the incredibly gifted brothers and sisters in Christ at The River and around the world. You may cross paths with Kent on a walking or jogging trail, grabbing a cup of coffee, shouting encouragement to a grandchild from the sideline, or along a stream casting a fly rod.
Kent graduated with B.A. in Bible and Pastoral Ministries / M.A. in Theology and Leadership
Brea DeRespini
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Brea has been a resident of Oakdale for almost 30 years, fostering strong community ties and a deep understanding of the local culture. In 2013 Brea became a stay at home mom. While looking for ways to stay social and meet new friends, Brea joined Mothers of Preschoolers, now MOMco, in 2014. Quickly, she fell in love with the people and the ministry and jumped into leadership. Brea has been a cherished member of The River Christian Community for many years and was called by God in 2024 to step into a new role serving as the Children Ministry Director. With a deep passion for nurturing the spiritual growth of young minds, she brings warmth, creativity, and dedication to her role.
Brea and Darryl are blessed with two wonderful children Lyndee and Jackson, who inspire her daily commitment to faith and family. Brea's leadership in the children's ministry is marked by her genuine love for teaching and her unwavering devotion to guiding the next generation on knowing and growing their love for Jesus Christ.
Brea graduated from CSU Stanislaus in 2007 with a BA in Communication Studies.