Bret Widman

Bret has been called to be the next senior pastor at River Life. Bret will officially begin his ministry at River Life in mid-April and his first preaching Sunday will be May 2.

I was once asked, “Who are you?” It’s such a profound question!  I couldn’t really answer that question with just one thing.  People are complex and ever growing and changing; that’s why I feel compelled & called to serve in ministry. I love to watch the process of growth in other people’s lives as I reflect about my own. I no longer am trying to fit God into my life, but am attempting to be caught up in the life that God is living on earth through His Spirit. The apostle Paul writes that we are to be “in Christ”. I guess that sums up, currently, what is happening in me….I’m forever trying to seek what God is up to and join him in the life He is living instead of trying to put him “in Bret”. I love to be with folks on a similar journey…seeking, listening, learning, and growing. I am not there yet, but I am throwing off what easily entangles and attempting to run without tripping.

Some stats about me are that I have been married to Janine since December 1991, we have 4 incredible daughters (Hannah, Claire, Madeline, and Kate) that are far better humans than I’ll ever be, and have a male cat named Lucky (just for some brotherhood in the house).  I have served a couple of churches in the past and taught at a discipleship college in Canada for 6 years.  I’m completing my Doctorate of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary and, hopefully, will be freed from higher learning in September 2011.

Jon Pauling

Jon Pauling is the primary worship leader for River Life Church. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Elizabeth, and three sons Samuel, Benjamin and Miles. JP’s ministry started in earnest when he read John 14 while he was a member of the worship team as the piano player at his Roseville, CA church. Jon’s life was turned over to Christ and an amazing transformation took place. It was put on his heart to bring the message of Christ and the gospel and its power to change lives to all that would listen.

It’s Jon’s intention to bring his music and Christ’s message and vision to his local community and to outside communities with a passion and a servant’s heart. Jon says “I want to love on people and plant the seeds of His truth in their fertile hearts.”

When Jon is not leading worship, performing in concert, writing, acting, or scoring music for film he is probably jamming with some friends, or hanging out with his family and his dogs in the great outdoors.