Riverside Leadership & Staff
The leadership and staff here at Riverside are comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.
Chris Wilson
LEAD PASTOR
chris@rbchelena.org
Chris was born on August 18, 1973, in Pensacola, FL. He grew up in Birmingham, AL and graduated from Troy University in 1996. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in 2000. While in graduate school, he met and married Meredith Sherrill. They now have four children (Asher, Mason, Judah and Piper).
Chris has served in ministry here in Alabama, in Seattle as a church planter, and in Nashville. The Lord called him to serve as pastor here at Riverside in February of 2016.
Chris and Meredith have come to Riverside with a joy and delight for God and his church that is evident to all. They are resolutely committed to the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and making disciples. We rejoice in having them as part of our fellowship.
Paul Lambert
YOUTH PASTOR
paul@rbchelena.org
Paul is an Alabama native, who grew up in the Birmingham area and married his high school sweetheart, Tracy. After over 31 years of marriage, they have 14 children and are expecting their ninth grandchild.
Paul has a passion for his Lord, his family, loving his neighbor, and for teaching. He first felt the Lord calling him into ministry at 18 years old.
Paul and his family have been at Riverside since 2017.
HEATHER ATKINS
WORSHIP DIRECTOR
Heather Atkins is a native to Birmingham, having lived in Shelby Country since the age of 14. She received a Bachelor or Music degree in a concentration in Music Therapy from the University of Alabama in 1995, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Montevallo in 2008. She completed he National Board Certification as a teacher in 2022 and currently teaches music to 750 amazing students each week at Oak Mountain Elementary School. Heather has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 32 years. They have 5 children, 2 "sons-in-love" and 4 precious grandboys!
Heather has been involved in the worship ministry at Riverside in many capacities since March 2008. Her favorite singer/songwriters are Keith and Kristyn Getty. ALL of us are made to worship! As Keith Getty says, "We sing because we're created to, commanded to, and compelled to".
BILL & PAM GOLDEN
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY LEADERS
pamgolden5@gmail.com
Bill and Pam grew up in Cullman, AL. They met at church in middle school and eventually
married a few months out of High School on September 1, 1978. They both came to Christ as
teenagers and began their journey with Jesus.
It was through Bill’s military career and moving from state to state every three to four years,
that they found God to be so faithful. He provided in ways that they never would have
experienced if they had not been part of a military family. Together, they have served across the U.S. in various churches over the years as volunteers and staff to preschool and children’s ministry. They both have a passion for sharing Jesus with others and discipling children.
They enjoy spending time with their four sons and their families. They have eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Their hobbies include reading, camping and watching the grands play sports.
Lay Leadership
Riverside's Lay Leadership are elected members by members. They serve rotational terms. Each team is responsible for different duties to be good stewards of God's blessing, to serving the Church body and maintaining its property efficiently.
Administrative Ministry
Team
They are responsible for human resources, maintaining day to day operations, and overseeing administrative duties.
Trustees
They oversee the financial dealings of the Church.
Deacons
They lead in service to the Church body and community.
Mission Outreach Ministry Directors
Support Staff
