Our team
Meet our Leadership Team
Healthy ministry takes a team.
At Rive West, we believe Jesus leads His Church. Every pastor, elder, leader, and staff member serves under His authority and seeks to follow His example of humble, servant leadership. His love for the Church shapes how we lead and care for His people (Philippians 2:5–8; Colossians 1:18).
Following Christ's example, we believe leadership thrives when it is shared. Throughout the New Testament, we see this pattern of shared leadership. Jesus gathered twelve disciples and sent them out in pairs. Paul carried out his ministry with partners like Barnabas and Silas. And as churches were established, a plurality of elders, pastors, and lay leaders were appointed to lead them.
By sharing leadership together, we believe this fosters greater collaboration, wiser decisions, stronger accountability, and greater health for both leaders and the church.
Pastors
Our pastors lead the ministries + operations of our church.

Christopher Coffman

Derrick Dallmeyer

Eric Johnson

Kathleen Self

Mary Ann Noack

Mike Self

Paul Duppenthaler

Tiffany Layton
Staff
Our staff supports the ministries + operations of our church.

Alyssa Grant

Angie Hilton

Annie Schilperoort

Brandon Reynolds

Casey Staub

Chloe Briggs

Dylan Knight

Elijah Gundlach

Ethan Hansen

Gary Gibson

Hailey Crist

Holly Gombossy

Jacob Adler

Jenna Gilchrist

Julie Coffman

Julie Messenger

Kylie Dallmeyer

Lauren Gurnee

Marsha Davis

Mary Hunnicutt

Michelle Stevenson

Nicole Rawlings

Shaun Felechner

Shondra Neumayer

Stacy Nelson

Taylor Gundlach
Elders
Our Elders provide spiritual oversight and governance for River West, guarding the church's doctrine, mission, and health. They steward our finances and appoint support and oversee our Lead Team. By serving alongside our pastors, they care for our staff and congregation.

Brandon Tabbal

Brett Gudgel

Christopher Coffman

Don Top

Jim Traut

Kent Blair
Connect with our Elders
If you have questions, or prayer requests, our elders would love to hear from you.
Questions?
We’re happy to answer any questions you have. Contact us below and we’ll be in touch soon.
A question we often get asked is, “Who is the lead pastor?” At River West, we have four pastors who serve together as our Lead Team. Rather than asking one pastor to oversee everything, each carries distinct roles and responsibilities. Together, they lead and care for our staff and help our church live out our shared mission: building a community of Christ for the world.
Pastor Christopher leads the Lead Team as “first among equals,” carrying primary responsibility and authority for River West’s overall health and direction. He casts vision, cares for our pastors and staff, and keeps our ministries aligned with our mission.
Pastor Eric partners closely with Christopher to lead our preaching ministry. He oversees our Sunday gatherings and discipleship formation, helping our church grow in knowing and following Jesus.
Pastor Mary Ann leads our ministry to women and oversees our care and connection ministries. She also develops and equips lay leaders to share in shepherding our church family.
Pastor Mike leads our ministry to men and families and helps turn our shared priorities into practical plans, healthy processes, and faithful action.
Peter calls elders to shepherd willingly and lead by example, “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3). Our elders are part of our church family—building relationships, serving alongside others, and walking with people through everyday life.
Scripture emphasizes spiritual maturity, integrity, gentleness, hospitality, faithfulness at home, and the ability to teach. Guided by the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, River West appoints qualified men to the office of elder. Those who serve continue growing through Scripture, prayer, and accountability to one another.
Care for our pastors. Our elders appoint, support, and hold both our Lead Team and Pastoral Team accountable. Through prayer, encouragement, and counsel, they help our pastors serve with health and faithfulness.
Pray for our people. Prayer is central to everything our elders do. Our elders gather to pray for our pastors, staff and congregation every Wednesday and welcome opportunities to pray with those facing illness, grief, or other needs (James 5:14).
Steward our resources. Our elder team approves the church budget and oversees significant matters involving finances, staffing, facilities, and church policies.
Guard our doctrine and spiritual health. Our elders ensure that our church is faithful and aligned with Scripture while also guarding the unity and health of the staff and congregation (Acts 20:28; Titus 1:9).
Leading and serving alongside our pastors. Our elders provide spiritual oversight and governance, while our Lead Team, pastors, and staff lead the ongoing ministry of the church. Together, they help River West live out our mission: building a community of Christ for the world.


