Here you can find all updates from our Elder team.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Elder team, rwelders@riverwest.org.

Dear River West Church Family,

As your Elders, we want to thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and faithfulness during this season. We recognize that many in our church are asking similar questions: What is the plan for leadership? How is our church doing? What can we look forward to? We hope this update helps answer those questions.

1. What is the plan for leadership?

Over the past several months, your Elders have been intentionally investing time in prayer, Scripture, and study as we seek God's wisdom for the future leadership of River West Church.

In addition to our regular meetings, the Elders have been gathering twice each month to study biblical leadership together and discuss how we can best shepherd our church. One of the resources we've been working through is Embracing Shared Ministry by Joseph Hellerman, which has encouraged thoughtful conversation around shared leadership, mutual accountability, and the New Testament model of caring for Christ's Church.

We've also sought wisdom from trusted leaders both within and beyond River West, including former Elders and our founding pastor, Guy Gray. These conversations, together with much prayer, continue to shape our thinking as we evaluate our leadership structures and practices.

As we make decisions and implement changes, we are committed to communicating openly with our church family. Thank you for your patience and for continuing to pray that we would lead with humility, wisdom, and faithfulness to Jesus.

2. How is the church doing?

Many have also asked how River West is doing financially and in overall engagement.

Like many churches navigating seasons of leadership transition, we've experienced some impact in both attendance and giving. While average attendance is modestly lower than this time last year, giving has remained encouraging, and we are grateful for the continued generosity of so many in our church family.

Recognizing the realities of this season, we've also taken a conservative approach to this year's budget. By God's grace and through the faithful generosity of our community, River West remains on stable financial footing, and we are thankful for His continued provision.

Thank you for continuing to worship, serve, give, and invest in the life of our church. Your faithfulness is making a tangible difference.

3. Looking Ahead

We’re excited to share that beginning in September, Mike Self, our Men and Families Pastor, will be joining our Sunday preaching team. Mike, and his wife Kathleen, our Kids Ministry Pastor, have been a faithful part of the River West community for the past 18 years. We are grateful for the gifts God has given Mike and look forward to hearing him open God’s Word alongside the rest of our teaching team.

Continuing in Prayer

Finally, your Elders continue to gather every Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. to pray for our church body, our pastors, our staff, and our community.

If there is a way we can be praying for you or your family, we would love to hear from you. Please come speak to one of us directly, there’s typically one of us at all three services, or send your prayer requests to rwelders@riverwest.org.

Thank you for your continued trust, your prayers, and your love for River West Church. We remain confident that Christ is faithfully building His Church, and we are grateful to serve Him alongside each of you.

Grace and peace,‍

The River West Church Elder Board

Church family,

Several weeks have passed since we shared the difficult and heartbreaking news of Adam’s affair and his resignation as Senior Pastor of River West Church. Since then, Pastor Christopher, under the direction of the elders, has continued to provide leadership alongside our pastors, staff, and ministry leaders. Together, they have done their best to faithfully care for our congregation and the ongoing ministry of River West.

We are deeply grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and support we have received from so many within our church family. In a difficult season, we have seen our community come together with grace, unity, and love. Your steadfast love for Christ, His church, and one another continues to encourage us.

Please continue to pray for the McMurray family. Cathy’s pain has returned, her cancer has been progressing, and her spinal cord stimulation surgery was canceled because of an insurance denial. Her doctor is appealing that decision. Cathy and the girls have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from the entire church family.

Over the past few weeks, many of you have also asked how Adam is doing. Adam is receiving support from wise, trusted counselors as he works through the impact of his actions and the hurt they have caused. He and Cathy have also begun meeting with a couples therapist.

Adam is grateful for the care and concern people have shown for him and his family. At this time, he is focusing on repentance, healing, and rebuilding trust in his closest relationships.

This summer, the elders will be devoting additional time to prayer, discernment, and planning as we seek the Lord’s wisdom for River West’s leadership needs in the season ahead. As significant progress is made, we will continue to share updates during our Sunday gatherings and through our website, app, and newsletter.

While much has changed, our confidence remains in Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. He has been faithful to River West in every season, and we trust He will continue to shepherd, sustain, and lead His church in the days ahead.

With gratitude,

The River West Elders

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