Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Mel Svendsen

Lead Pastor

  • I serve  as the Lead Pastor of Riverview Church.
  • I completed my Doctor of Ministry in Theology and Apologetics from Liberty University, as well as completing my Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.
  • 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.

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.

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.

Caden Svendsen

Junior High Pastor - (current contact for High School)

  • 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.

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 served in Christian Ministry for over 25 years.
  • My hobbies are gardening, sewing and 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.

Steph Dynes

HR & Finance Specialist

  • I am responsible for HR & Finances. 
  • My hobbies are traveling and working out.
  • My husband Sean and I have a rescue dog named Canelo.

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.

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.

Dave Albertson

Facilities Manager

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

Sean Cox

Facility Services Assistant

  • 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.

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.

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.

Shaun Travers

Production & Media Director

  • 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.