Leadership

I’m Gerald Shutske, and I have the privilege of serving as the lead pastor of River Valley Church. I’m deeply grateful for the journey God has led me on and for the opportunity to shepherd a church family I genuinely love. My heart is to preach the Word with clarity, lead with integrity, and create a community where people can grow, belong, and encounter Jesus in a real way. River Valley has already shaped my life in meaningful ways, and I’m honored to invest my life into what God is building here.

Pastor Art and JoyCee Wood lovingly lead our Saints Alive Seniors Ministry, bringing warmth, wisdom, and steady encouragement to the senior adults of River Valley Church. Their heart for people shines through in every gathering, conversation, and prayer. Along with guiding Saints Alive, they also oversee our church visitations, faithfully caring for those who are homebound, hospitalized, or in need of personal support. Through their compassion, consistency, and genuine love for others, Pastor Art and JoyCee help ensure that every senior and every person visited feels valued, remembered, and deeply connected to our church family.

Ben and Sam Feir bring a warm, servant‑hearted touch to the Worship and Tech Ministry. Ben leads the worship team with encouragement and care, helping create a space where people can genuinely meet with God. They also leads the tech crew that supports every service with steady excellence, making sure the sound, media, and production feel smooth and welcoming. They serve with joy, unity, and a deep love for helping our church experience God’s presence. . 

Pastor Mike and Pastor Shonna Severson faithfully serve as the youth pastors at River Valley Church, investing deeply in the spiritual growth and discipleship of our students. Their heart for young people shows in the way they teach, mentor, and create a welcoming environment where teens can encounter Jesus and build lasting faith. In addition to youth ministry, Pastor Mike also leads our Men’s Ministry and oversees Royal Rangers, providing strong leadership, practical guidance, and Christ‑centered mentorship for boys and men alike. Together, Mike and Shonna bring passion, stability, and genuine care to every area they serve, strengthening our church family across generation.