Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Mel Svendsen

Lead Pastor

  • I serve  as the Lead Pastor of Riverview Church.
  • I completed my Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) as well as substantial work toward my Doctorate at the same school. 
  • I love telling people about Jesus Christ and teaching God’s Word, and love spending time with my family.
  • My wife Barbara and I met and were married in Germany and have six children: Joelle, Brieanna, Mandy, Caden, Brady and Capri.
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Ben Mechler

Pastor of Counseling / Families Pastor

  • I am the Pastor of Counseling, and Pastor of Family Ministry here at Riverview.
  • I am one of the Teaching Pastors for Night4All.
  • I have my  Master’s degree in Bible Exposition from Talbot school of Theology. 
  • I am a certified biblical counselor. 
  • My hobbies include gardening, reading, and hiking/camping, cooking and spending time with my family. 
  • I am blessed to be married to my lovely wife Amy, and privileged to be the father of my son Levi, and my daughter, Lyla.
Contact

Hopena Kahakui

Pastor of High School & Young Adults

  • I am the Pastor of Young Adults and High School students.
  • I have worked in Youth Ministries for the past 15 years.
  • I am blessed with a lovely bride, Marlo, and our newborn son Weylan.
Contact

Adam Duroy

Pastor of Home Groups,  Biblical Instruction, & Singles Ministries

  • I run our Home Group Ministry, teach Adult Bible Studies and classes, and oversee our Singles ministry.
  • I also run our Prayer and Anointing Ministry. Please contact me, if you are in need of prayer and anointing from our church leaders.
  • I have a Master’s of Divinity degree from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA). I am currently a Doctoral student in Liberty’s PhD in Bible Exposition program.
Contact

Caden Svendsen

Junior High Pastor

  • I serve as the  Junior High Pastor here at Riverview
  • I graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor's in Bible, Theology and Ministry with a concentration in Biblical Languages. 
  • I am currently studying at Talbot Seminary in pursuit of my Masters of Biblical Exposition. 
  • My hobbies include surfing, playing basketball and pickle-ball.
Contact

Brenda Jason

Women’s Ministry Director

  • I have a passion for women to know Christ and live in their true identity in Him while serving the Kingdom of God!
  • I have a B.S. in Business Management and Administration and have serviced in Christian Ministry for over 20 years.
  • My hobbies are gardening and sewing or crafting. 

Janae Kramer

Children's Ministry Director

  • I am the Children's Ministry Director here at Riverview.
  • My favorite thing to do is camping with my family.
  • My husband Kenny and I have three children, Wyatt, Zaya, and Cannon.
Contact

Steph Dynes

Director of Operations

  • I am the Director of Operations. 
  • My hobbies are traveling, and working out.
  • My husband Sean and I have a rescue dog named Canelo.
Contact

Jeanette Kranz

 Connections Coordinator

  • I am the Connections Coordinator, connecting our congregation through prayer support, celebrations of life, and ministry connections. I also work the Sunday morning info booth on the patio, and share Christ's love and hugs.
  • My hobbies are playing the piano for fun.
  • I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Greg since July 1974, and we raised a son and three daughters. We have two fidos an eclectus parrot, and finches.
Contact

Isabella Rodriguez

Administrative & Connections Assistant 

  • I provide support to pastors, staff, ministry leaders, and congregation through website and social media management, financial tasks, and connection communications. 
  • Graduate of California State University, San Marcos, with a B.A. in Psychology.
  • My husband and I have one dog, Benji.
Contact

Dave Albertson

Facilities Manager

  • My hobbies are woodworking, stamp & coin collecting,  and antiquing.
  • I am married and have five kids and twelve grandkids.
Contact

Sean Cox

Facilities Administrator and Security

  • I provide administrative services to our church and staff through building management, ministry and live event scheduling, and security.
  • My beautiful wife Shannon and I have two dogs: Tiger Woof and Noel Sophia.
  • Shannon and I are professional photographers and have worked around the world.
Contact

Scott Harrah

Worship Leader

  • I am the Worship Pastor coordinating with volunteers for Sunday worship and other events.
  • My hobbies besides music, are cooking, and baking bread.
  • My wife's name is Claudia.
Contact

Sawyer Knox

Musical Director / Worship Tracks

  • I serve as the musical director at Riverview Church.
  • My hobbies include making music and walking my dogs.
  • My wife and I have two pups named Millie and Frida.
Contact

Shaun Travers

AV Media Technician 

  • I have the privilege of managing all audio/visual operations and leading the AVL Production Team, ensuring the seamless execution of ministry events and worship services. 
  • I have accumulated eight years of experience in production, working with churches and local theaters.
  • I'm a graduate of San Marcos High School and a passionate musician.
Contact