After serving as missionaries in Colombia, South America, Pastor Jorge Ballivian and his wife, Cindy, returned to the United States and spent many years serving area youth and their community. What they thought would eventually lead to retirement from ministry instead became the beginning of something new.

In November 2019, Jorge and Cindy, along with a group of faithful friends, opened the doors of The River Church.

Cindy passed away on November 1, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her love for people, heart for service, and faith in Jesus are forever woven into the story of The River, and her legacy continues through the many lives she touched.

Today, Pastor Jorge continues to lead The River Church, and God has blessed him with a wonderful partner in life and ministry, his wife, Shelley. Shelley is an active part of The River's leadership and also serves with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) through Destiny by Design, a ministry that helps people discover their identity in Christ, hear God's voice, and recognize their God-given gifts and calling. Together, Jorge and Shelley share a love for ministry, people, and serving God—and when they're not busy doing that, you may just find them on the pickleball court.

Through every season, The River continues to follow where God leads, love people well, and serve the community He has placed around us.

Leadership team: