Pastor Mario has  been part of The River community since March 2012. He lives here in Redlands with his dog Roscoe. He was born and raised here in the Inland Empire. When he is not at Church, he can be found coaching middle school and high school soccer, fishing, cooking, and hanging out with family and friends!

Rick and Gladys have been married since 1974. They were both raised in West Michigan, Gladys in Allendale; Rick in Grand Rapids. They have two children: Derrick, with his wife Rosy, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Mindy, with her husband Bryson, in Grants Pass, OR. They have six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  They moved to Redlands and began attending The River in 2020.  Rick and Gladys served Lincoln Avenue Community Church (RCA) in Pomona, CA for 29 years. Before that, they were in Dorr, MI for six years where planted Open Door Reformed Church.  They also interned at First Reformed in Zeeland, MI during seminary and Rick served as Director of Education and Outreach at Third Reformed in Grand Rapids, their home church. Gladys was a schoolteacher.  She taught Kindergarten and first grade for most of her 30-year career. She retired in 2018. Rick earned his Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity degrees from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI and his Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Reformed Bible College, (now Kuyper College) in Grand Rapids, MI. 

Jeff has been married to his wife Carmen since 2007.  Together, they have 2 beautiful daughters: Elise(2010) & Olivia(2012)  A born and raised Redlands local, Jeff began ministry here at The River Church where he served as the Assistant Worship Director from 2003-2013 before accepting a position as the Music Director at Redeemer Presbyterian in Newport Beach from 2013-2020.  In 2020 God in all of His providence brought Jeff back to the River.  Jeff plans on using his 15+ years as a music educator and 20+ years as a worship director to help encourage people, and point them to Jesus!

Rachel has been a lifelong member of The River and has been actively involved in ministry from a young age. She grew up serving in Children’s and Youth Ministry and has participated in a variety of outreach efforts, including SERVE, Love Redlands, and partnerships with Lugonia Elementary.

Becca is married to Nate, a High School English teacher at Arrowhead Christian Academy. They have 3 children, Jonas, Norah, and Miles. She was a youth director at another church before becoming the Director of Children's Ministries at The River in February of 2013. She has been blessed with being part of a ministry on a part time basis so that she can be home with their kids and enjoy watching them becoming the little people they are. It also allows her to support her husband Nate during basketball season when he's coaching the varsity girls' team at ACA.

Karen was born and raised in Iowa. She met her husband at Dordt University in NW Iowa, and they married in 1989. Together they moved to James’ hometown of Redlands and jumped into their teaching careers. They have been members at The River Church since that move, active in all areas of ministry. From 2000 -2013, Karen served on The River staff with children’s ministry. In 2016, she began ministry in her current role as Connection Coordinator. Karen is blessed by her supportive husband James, and her adult children: son Alexander (deceased in 2023), son Ben & daughter in law Allison, grandaughters Paloma Lex and Quincy Carter, daughter Abby and their energetic dog Ozzy.

Don studied Music (vocal emphasis) at Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College and has led worship and participated in choral and instrumental groups since 1980.

For over 30 years, Don provided IT consulting and support for small-to-medium businesses, and he currently coaches business owners, solopreneurs, and top salespeople to grow their networks and increase the lifetime value of their clients.

Jim Kouwe was born and raised in Rochester, NY. He went to Calvin College where he met his wife, Denise. After living in different corners of the country, they moved to Redlands in 1985. They have been part of this church community for over 40 years. Jim has been involved in worship here for 35+ years. Since retirement he has volunteered as the church Treasurer and Bookkeeper. 

Kathy Nagelkerk is a retired teacher. She spent 36 of her 38 years in Christian elementary education. Kathy has 4 adult children ranging in ages from 29-37, and they are such a blessing to her. She enjoys keeping the River Church tidy for all the many events and activities that are held here.