Senior Pastor David and Melanie Rathel
David and Melanie started RiverTown Church 9 years ago in a tiny living room. From there they moved to the Hollywood Connection movie theater before finally graduating to our current building on Schomburg Road. Plans are already in motion for a new building to be built on this same property very soon! David grew up here in Columbus, Ga playing drums for his church as a youth and after graduating from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, he felt a calling to start a church “for people who don’t go to church” in his hometown. He met his wife, Melanie, “the woman God had planned for me”, at a Franklin Graham concert in the 90′s. Their second child is named Graham for that very reason! Their first child, Hannah, started singing as a baby; and at the age of ten, is already leading Kid Connection’s worship every Sunday! David is a very spiritual man of God who speaks directly into your heart whatever God would have you to hear. His messages are easy to understand, will make you laugh and sometimes cry, and always challenge you to take that next step in your relationship with the Lord. He has a passion for people, our community, and spiritual relationships. David and Melanie would love to include you as part of our church family and want to welcome you with open arms to your new home in the Kingdom of God. David can be reached at david@rivertownchurch.com
Children’s Minister Casey Valencia
Saved at a young age, Casey’s first ministry position was helping in the nursery when she was 10 years old. At 15 she found her passion on a missions trip to Mexico. From that point on, her sister always teased that she would marry a Mexican. She followed God’s call from her hometown in Indiana to attend Bible College in Georgia. After graduating with her BA in Bible, she met Oscar and fulfilled her sister’s prophecy by marrying the man of her dreams. Oscar also became passionate about Christ as a teen, and has used his native Spanish to translate on many missions trips. He currently works full time for Aflac. Casey is our children’s pastor here at RiverTown Church. She loves finding new and creative curriculum for the kids and often takes the time to go to each class on Sundays and pray over the children. She is full of compassion and would love to sit down over a tropical smoothie, get to know you and your children personally, and become your friend. She can be reached at casey@rivertownchurch.com
Youth Minister Dana Phillips
Dana and Samantha know that youth ministry can forever shape lives because of the way it shaped their own! At age 17 Dana was saved at youth camp when the speaker explained that “If you are 99% saved, you are 100% lost.” He surrendered his life to Christ that night and never looked back. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Business Administration at CSU and is currently pursuing his Master’s of Religious Education at Liberty University. He met his wife and high-school sweetheart, Samantha, in the youth group at Cascade Hills Church. She is his constant support and ministry partner to reach out to youth girls. Their daughter and wonderful gift from God, Addie Grace, has Daddy wrapped around her little finger. Together, Dana and Samantha envision each student being the light of the world in their community by igniting their light, making it shine, and aiming it toward a dark world (Matthew 5:14). They are always full of energy and laughter to share, and can’t wait to minister to your 6th through 12th grade students! Dana can be reached at dana@rivertownchurch.com
Ministry Assistant Jennifer Anthony
Jennifer Anthony is a Columbus native. Right after graduating from high school, she began volunteering at her church. This commitment provided her with a job helping in ministry. Since then, she has helped several local churches with their different ministry needs. Her talents have been used for many things including: running sound, running the computer, and office work. You can reach her at admin@rivertownchurch.com
Finance Administrator Angie House
Angie is a strong woman of God, and will take every opportunity to pray with you and lead you through whatever difficulty you may face. Angie takes care of the finances here at RiverTown and is an invaluable source of information and guidance when it comes to the Lord’s storehouse. She can be reached at finance@rivertownchurch.com
