Meet Our Church Staff!
PASTOR RICHARD STRUM...
...grew up right here in the Northwest, so he understands the unique qualities of this great place. Pastor Strum has a passion for creating an environment where really people can connect with the real God. One very important person in his life is his wife and partner in ministry, Merleen. As a ministry team with over 50 years of experience, Pastor and Merleen have a rich history before joining River of Life as the Senior Pastors. Their last Pastoral Ministry position was as Senior Pastors at King Mountain Church in Bellingham. In their ministry years they have started churches from just a few people and pastored churches of 800. The Strums are blessed with 3 children and numerous grandchildren. Pastor Strum has his Doctorate of Pastoral Ministry. He has also written a book, titled "Healing for the Violated Church", which you can check out in our eChurch Library (link to your left). Email: rstrum@comcast.net
Willem & Riana Redelinghuis...
... Email:
RAMONA STUMPF...
...leads River of Life's worship team, with the support of her husband and four children. A former career gal, Ramona now enjoys home schooling her children, doing community theatre (especially musicals), and leading a women's Bible study in her home. She invites you to check out her favorite life-changing links:
Ramona also has her own website, where people can find out "why we are thankful", read a blog written by different members of the family, and much more. There are also places for information about the weekly woman's Bible study held at her house, and for the church worship team to access resources they need. To view her website, click on the following link:
SHANNON HARKNESS...
...serves as the Children's Ministry Coordinator here at River of Life. She has been a member of River of Life for 19 years and has helped coordinate Sunday morning children's ministry for 8 years. She thoroughly enjoys all the kids and their familes at RoL.
Shannon has been married to her husband, Drake, for 19 years, and they have 2 teenage sons, Doug and Shane.
Articles & Resources for Church Workers
-
Starting a Greeter Program
Four years ago I accepted the challenge of evangelism chairperson for our church. One of the first programs the pastor and I developed was the Sunday morning greeter program.
-
Motivating the Right Person into the Right Ministry
One of the greatest challenges for most leaders is selecting and motivating the right people into the right ministry positions in hopes of minimizing turnover and frustration. Even in the smaller church with limited personnel, it is important to coordinate people and ministry as much as possible.
-
“I TRIED, BUT NO ONE EVER CALLED ME”
“I tried, but no one ever called me” are painful words for a leader who has much work to do and not enough people willing to do it. These words are painful for the person who wanted to contribute, but was never called. These are also painful words for a person who is committed to helping people connect and contribute in meaningful ways within the church.
