Leadership

Pastors

  • Head Pastors

    Pastors Lew & Lorri Wootan have been involved in ministry since the ‘80s. Lew and Lorri traveled on the evangelistic field for 22 years.

    They first came to minister in Oregon in 1994 and made it their home in 1997. After nearly 8 years in Oregon, the Lord took them to Utah, where they planted two churches.

    They returned to Oregon in 2011 and have been pastoring The River Church. Their hearts are to see the lost brought to Christ and hope given back to the hopeless. Love sums up their ministry.

  • Associate Pastors

    On October 10, 2017, Pastors Andrew and Trina Perkins experienced a life-changing “come back to Jesus” moment, and God led them to The River Church through Celebrate Recovery.

    Surrounded by love and an atmosphere of growth, the Holy Spirit reignited their faith and renewed their calling.

    Today, they carry a deep passion for people and for seeing lives transformed by God’s power.

  • Associate Pastors

    On March 16, 2014, Pastors Jim and Shannon Banke, former Open Bible pastors for 23 years, along with 25 others, and Evangelists Lew and Lorri Wootan followed the leading of the Holy Spirit to launch a non-denominational fellowship called The River Church.

    Pastor Shannon's ministry experience spans all ages in education. Currently, she is an instructor and Chancellor at River Impact University.

    Emeritus Pastor Jim is an instructor and RIU's vice president.

    Both faithfully serve on the Executive Council at the River Church.

  • Associate Pastor

    Pastor Sharon Farmer is the daughter of a Christian Missionary Alliance pastor. Sharon completed nurses aide training at Grossmont Community College. She has assisted her late husband, David, in ministry, first in nursing homes, then as he pastored a church and assisted with church plants.

    Pastor Sharon has enjoyed a life-long music ministry starting with membership in the Back To The Bible Youth Choir and the Simpson College Choir.

    She enjoys her involvement with The River Church Worship team to this day.

  • Pastor Nyssa has been attending The River Church since 2017. At first, she hid that she was a music teacher, feeling "beat up" by the pressures of performing. But being at The River, she felt "loved back to life."

    She now leads the worship ministry, doing far beyond what she ever envisioned when God first called her into ministry.

    During worship services, people have experienced the anointing of God bringing increasing levels of freedom and spontaneous healings. She counts it a privilege to serve alongside the leaders at The River Church and is honored to have the Holy Spirit as her worship leader.

  • Led by the Holy Spirit, Kimo and Carmelita met in 2012 and married in 2013, blending their families of six grown children.

    Kimo gave his life to Christ at age 10 during a family Bible study and has since served in security ministry, marriage Bible studies, and as head usher.

    Carmelita accepted Jesus as a teenager, later growing in faith through 12 years of ministry at Cornerstone Fellowship in California, serving in connections, outreach, and greeter/security teams.

    Together, they believe God has prepared them for “such a time as this” and now faithfully serve Him side by side at The River Church.

Evangelists

  • Evangelists Larry & Kelly with the 1st United Pentecostal Church came to Salem in 1990 to plant a church and operated a Christian preschool & daycare.

    Kelly held 5 City wide women's conferences and Larry "Balony Man" delivered 3 days of food to 100 homeless people in camps weekly for many years.

    Ordained in the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministries Int'l, and Larry Huck Ministries Int'l and as full time evangelist with YWAM they held meetings and trained churches to publicly preach the Gospel and have been in ministry for 40 years.

  • Jaideep is from Nagpur, India, and is a devoted single father of five. He is passionate about winning souls, discipleship, and raising up leaders for God’s Kingdom.

    He has a heart for working with men, church planting, and partnering with the broader Body of Christ to see God’s Kingdom established through diverse gifts and callings.

    Jaideep also enjoys working out and believes in a holistic approach to reaching the lost.

Elders

  • Raised in a Christian home, Cathy drifted away, determined to live life her own way—but it left her broken.

    In November 1992, sitting beside her steadfast mother in church, she quietly bowed her head, asked God’s forgiveness, and vowed never to turn back.

    Though she’s faced challenges, she has kept that promise, pressing forward to live a life that reflects Christ.

    While searching for a church, Cathy stepped into The River and immediately felt God’s powerful presence. From that moment, she knew she was home, often saying, “As long as Jesus goes to church at The River, I will go to church at The River.”

  • Angie was saved when she was 7 years old. She heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and wanted to serve a God that could save her from anything.

    Since then she has had a lot of trials and tribulations, but she looks to Jesus to sustain her, to give her joy, and peace. He is so faithful and so good. She also loves sharing Jesus' love with others.

    When she “grows up”, she wants to be a full-time evangelist. He is her God, her King, and her Lord, and she wants to serve Him all the days of her life forever and ever. Amen!

  • Stanley & Candace have been members since The River Church came to be. Before that, they were members at Cornerstone Open Bible with the Banke’s since the 1990’s.

    They traveled with then Ev. Lew Wootan to the Philippines in 2000 on a missionary trip. They were forever changed.

    Stanley accepted Christ when he was in the Navy. Stanley is a retired driver of: cab, shuttle busses, tow trucks and semis. Stanley played bass and Candace sang on the worship team for years.

    Candace is a retired RN. She worked in dialysis, ICU, & with Oregon Youth Authority. Candace gave her heart to Jesus at a young age. Stanley and Candace are committed to the vision of The River Church... SOULS!

  • Danielle and Neal married in 2020, and from the start their hearts have been eager to serve the Lord.

    Delivered from the bondage of addiction, their lives are now a testimony of God’s redeeming power and a passion to see others set free and come to Jesus.

    As Youth Directors at The River Church, they are hungry to see the next generation rise up—fully yielded to the Holy Spirit and burning with His fire.

    Together with their four beautiful children, Danielle and Neal are running their race with endurance, committed to advancing God’s Kingdom. They believe with all their hearts: if God can do it for them, He can do it for anyone!

  • Brent and Sheenah were raised in Christian homes and committed their lives to Jesus as youth—Brent at 15 and Sheenah at 5.

    High school sweethearts, they married in 1993 and have walked faithfully with God through joys and trials, including loss, infertility, and fostering. Now they are raising the five children God has blessed them with: Elijah, Boaz, Cadance, Gabriella & Daniel.

    Passionate about discipling their family, they homeschool in alignment with Deuteronomy 11:19. Brent serves as Worship Leader and Dean of the School of Worship at River Impact University, while Sheenah serves as administrator for RIU and teacher/administrator at the River Learning Academy.

    Together, they are dedicated Kingdom Builders, excited to serve Jesus and His people at The River Church.

Deacons

  • Jonathan Ayembilla is a Dad blessed with 4 Children, 2 boys and 2 girls; Henry, Winmalis, Demalia and Malsim.

    His heart’s desire is seeking to communicate biblical truths with humility, compassion, and faithfulness to Christ. Jonathan’s heart longs to glorify God and strengthen the Body of Christ through sound doctrine and sincere devotion.

    Jonathan currently serves in The River Church Ushering Ministry, Worship Ministry and Prayer Team. He loves serving people, working on cars, soccer and skiing.

  • Nate and Angie met at Cornerstone Open Bible Church in 2001, where Pastor Jim Banke married them the next year.

    After Evangelist Lew led Nate to Christ, he served as usher, head usher, and church board member, while Angie served in children’s ministry, eventually becoming Children’s Director.

    In 2015, a year after Cornerstone became The River Church, they were appointed Youth Leaders, and in 2018, installed as Deacons. They now both serve in River Youth Group (RYG) alongside Deacon Neal and Danielle Jones.

    Parents to three boys—Nathan, Joshua, and Lucas—they love Jesus, value family, and are passionate about seeing young people and their families live in the fullness and freedom of Christ.

  • Matthieu was raised knowing the Lord and attended youth group, while Jazmin frequently attended the Mormon church with friends but never embraced its teachings. Though neither had a strong relationship with God early on, they always knew He was present.

    Married in 2018, Matt and Jazz committed to leading their home in the way of Jesus Christ. In 2020, they found The River Church, were baptized in the Holy Spirit, and have been faithfully serving ever since—Matthieu in ushering and security, and Jazmin in Children’s Ministry.

    They have three children, and love time with family, friends, and adventures together.

  • Raised to believe in Jesus but without knowing the Holy Spirit, Neal faced a turning point at 35 after losing his marriage, children, home, and finances.

    Guided back to Christ by his parents, he grew in faith through tithing, prayer, and the Word. In 2006, he married Cheri, a God-fearing woman, and together they raised their children—Matthieu, Lauren, and Evan.

    After drifting from church, Neal returned in 2018 when Matthieu and his wife invited him to The River Church.

    At Fall Camp Meeting 2021, he was baptized in the Holy Spirit—forever transformed from a believer to a knower. Today, Neal faithfully serves the Lord in the Parking Lot Ministry at The River Church.

  • Austin and Noelani gave their hearts to the Lord as children and met at The River Church.

    Married in 2022, they are raising their sons, Samuel and Houston—who keep them on their toes almost as much as a church service here!

    Austin leads on the Security Team with steady care (and an occasional dad joke), while Noelani loves to encourage through worship and children’s ministry.

    They both have a passion for speaking life into marriages and spending time with their family and the continually growing church family at The River.

  • David and Annette Brown both came to faith in high school. They greatly value the clear, uncompromised Word of God they found at The River Church when they started in 2022.

    Married since 1991, they are committed to pursuing Jesus together and building a life rooted in grace and love. They have two children and two grandsons.

    David and Annette currently serve on the worship team and Ministry Council. You can also find Annette serving in Children’s Ministry and David in Kingdom Business Fellowship and Men’s Ministry.

    Their heart remains: to know God, love God, and love His people.

  • James and Stephanie Buell were married in 2017 and are parents to two sons, Silas and Lucas. They are committed to building a Christ-centered home rooted in faith, love, and service.

    Raised as a pastor’s kid, James spent many years away from the Lord until encountering God’s love at an outreach of The River Church in 2021, where his faith and calling were powerfully restored. Stephanie has faithfully supported their family, walking in humility and obedience to God’s work in their lives.

    Together, they lead with integrity and servant hearts, and are passionate about seeing lives restored and families strengthened.

  • Jennie is a mom of two incredible children.

    She works closely with Pastor Nyssa as her pastoral assistant, where she’s learned that ministry often happens behind the scenes through faithfulness, humility, and serving with excellence.

    A 2025 graduate of River Impact University, her heart as a deaconess is to serve with integrity, support the vision of her pastors, and help create a church environment where people feel seen, cared for, and encouraged in their walk with God.

    Outside of church, she enjoys gardening, time with her family, creating homemade body products with tallow, and has a special love for cows and guns.

  • Led by the Holy Spirit, Kevin and Beverly met, dated for six months, and married on September 25, 1982.

    Though Kevin was Lutheran and Beverly Pentecostal, they grew together in Pentecostal faith. Their ministry journey took them from Salem, Oregon, to Washington, serving in Vineyard and Morning Star Ministries.

    Kevin worked over 20 years in youth corrections, later serving as a Mental Health Therapist at the State Hospital, while

    Beverly worked in food services with training in Dietary Management. Kevin also work 10 years as a social Service director in the Health Field.

    Together, their passion is to help God’s people, encourage obedience to His Word, and serve their community under the leading of the Holy Spirit.

  • Ed was born again in 1997 and has faithfully served the Lord ever since. In 2017, the Holy Spirit led him to The River Church, where he serves on the worship team and as a soul winner.

    A U.S. Army veteran, Ed also completed a 30-year career with the Bureau of Prisons before retiring.

    In 2019, God called him to minister to those with severe mental illness—opening his home to those in need.

    Today, he owns Grace Care Homes, Inc., operating two Adult Foster Homes and a Residential Treatment Home.

    Ed believes God will continue opening doors to bring healing and restoration to those battling mental illness.

  • Laura began attending The River Church in 2018 during their Fall Camp Meeting.

    The anointed preaching, teaching, prayer, and worship reignited her hunger for God and pursuit of Jesus.

    She primarily serves with Hospitality Ministry and also as a part of the Children’s Ministry.

    Laura has worked at Costco for 20+ years. She has four adult children and loves spending time with her grandchildren.

  • Vicki has attended The River Church since shortly after it opened and loves how the Holy Spirit moves in this place.

    She treasures the peace, love, and unity of the body that make it a true church family.

    Vicki serves as a prayer leader, faithfully seeking God’s will and believing in His healing power.

    She has worked as an LPN on the Medical Floor at the Oregon State Hospital for 21 years.

    Vicki cherishes her two adult children and two grandchildren.

  • Jethro grew up in church, gave his life to Christ at age six, but struggled with setbacks that led him away from God for a decade. During that time, he learned to truly talk with God and eventually returned, serving in various roles—especially youth ministry. After attending HeartChange, he broke through the spiritual wall that had held him back. Then in 2016, found lasting growth at The River Church.

    Christina began attending The River Church in 2016, serving in the media booth the following year. A licensed teacher, she is now an administrator with River Learning Academy and River Impact University.

    Married since 1994, they have six children—five adults, one teen and grandchildren. Passionate about serving God, raising their family, and investing in ministry.

  • Fred came to know the Lord as a young boy with his parents.

    In 2020, he found his home at The River Church, where the Holy Spirit awakened his calling to greet, love, and bless people.

    Married for over 50 years to his beloved wife Marilyn, Fred is a proud father of two and grandfather of four.

    Outside of church, he enjoys mountain biking.

  • Zac and Leanne have been apart of The River family since 2021.

    They are business owners, River Impact University students, and parents to three amazing children.

    Zac leads the Hospitality Team, creating an environment of fellowship and honor, while Leanne leads the Photography and Videography Team, creating visual media that serves the vision of the house.

    Together, they serve as Head Ushers in the Usher Ministry.

    It is an honor for them to serve the vision of this house, support their pastors, and see the Kingdom of God advance.

  • Corey and Abby Winslow married in 2003 and have two sons, Zao and Logan.

    Both serve on The River Church’s worship team, ushering people into God’s presence through music.

    Corey, an artist, enjoys ministry projects, community events and teaching the practical application of Scripture.

    Abby loves seeing God move in the lives of women through the Women’s Ministry. She also serves in church administration and leads the Marketing Department. Alongside homeschooling her children, she runs the family’s vinyl decal business, Machlao Studio.

    Together, they love hiking, family time, serving their church family and connecting with the local community.

  • Allen and Alisha have been married since 1994 and have 5 sons and 3 daughters.

    Allen serves at The River Church as an usher and is on the soul winning team. Alisha serves on the administration team for The River Learning Academy.

    Desiring to see God's Kingdom advance, Allen and Alisha partner with God in His redemptive work, living with the conviction that all people can be reconciled to Him.