LEADERSHIP

Pastors & Staff

Allen James

Senior Pastor

Allen is the Senior Pastor at The River.

"I was born into a Christian family, and accepted Christ at the age of 6.  I truly surrendered control of my life to the Lord at the age of 18."

Glenn Bowman

Associate Pastor | Elder

Glenn served for several years as a deacon and teacher in two previous churches before coming on board at The River Church, as Associate Pastor, where he is fondly called “The Professor".  He has developed his theology through a literal, historical narrative interpretation of the Bible, being taught and led by the Holy Spirit.

"After a failed marriage & 12 years of active duty with the Marines and Navy, I felt the mountains calling me home to Montana.  I found myself at the lowest point of my life.  After deciding to go back to school, I met my new and amazing wife, Renee.  We both came to know Jesus through pre-marriage counseling.  I have two great sons from my previous marriage and 4 amazing boys with Renee along with two of the most beautiful girls in the world.  I flew for over 17 years as an EMS helicopter pilot with St Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula while helping my in-laws farm and ranch in Corvallis."

lARRY lEE

Youth Director | Elder

Larry is an Elder here at The River.  As an Elder, Larry Lee oversees the spiritual growth and direction of the church body.  He is also the Youth Director, discipling those involved in the Youth Ministry and Small Group ministries.

"I always believed that Jesus died on the cross for me, but I didn’t have a personal relationship with Christ until I moved in with my Dad who showed me that I need Christ as my Savior.  At that point, I began to feel the transformation of my life from a head knowledge to a heart change- transforming from being religious to being born again.  After that, with the ups and downs in my spiritual walk, I have grown closer to the Lord over time."

Nathan cross

Youth Pastor | Men's Ministry

My name is Nathan Cross and I am married to Kayla. Born and raised in Montana, it is a real blessing to work in the same field as several influential people in my life who probably changed its course forever. Growing up, several people who had the greatest impact on my life were my youth leaders. Wanting to follow in their footsteps, I attended Frontier School of the Bible and pursued a degree in youth ministry.

After marrying and moving back to Montana, I completed a youth ministry internship and then spent the next 6 years in various lines of work: Christian School Bible Teacher, Athletic Director, Maintenance Technician, and finally Mechanics which I spent 5 years in. During this time period, my wife and I quickly got plugged into volunteer youth and music ministry in Lolo and greatly enjoyed serving the Lord in these ministries. In God's timing, and God's way, He called us into full-time youth ministry at The River. We are very excited to build and invest in relationships with kids in the community and church and watch them grow as they learn more about Jesus Christ. I love to mountain bike, ski, play guitar, camp, and hunt!!

Carla Fox

Tresurer | P31 Director

“I was raised Catholic home and attended Catholic schools all the way through college. At the end of my college career I found the Catholic religion empty.  The repetition and “tradition”, didn’t have any passion, so I started looking for something to fill that void, and I found Christ. "

Tenaya Pedersen

Administration | Media Manager

Tenaya joined our staff in 2021.  She has a background in administration & enjoys using her experience to serve God and others.  Tenaya is involved with Young Adults, AWANA and The River's, Turning Point USA Faith Chapter.  Outside of church, Tenaya is a devoted wife, homeschool mom, 4-H volunteer and business owner.  
 
“I was raised in a Christian home & taught about Jesus through church, homeschool and watching my parents live out their testimony.  I have been a believer ever since I can remember, however I have not always lived my life in a Biblical way.  I became very lost in my identity in Christ when I left home for college.  I became depressed & suicidal.  I got pregnant when I was 20 & re-dedicated my life to Him, when the reality of becoming a parent loomed in front of me.  As a result of living my life for Him, I finished college (GO CATS!) & have an abundantly blessed life, along with my amazing husband and beautiful children!"