My wife, Jen and I are thrilled to be the new pastors of RiverTree Jackson. In addition to the love we have for our kids, Jen and I love two things desperately: Jesus and His Church. We know that we know that serving Jesus and His church in Northeast Ohio is His perfect will for our lives. We also know that God has already formed an incredible team of leaders and volunteers who believe in the vision of River Tree with all their hearts. We know that amazing days of loving Jesus and seeing lives changed for Him lie ahead. Always remember, Christ in you is the hope of the world. 

After serving for more than 20 years at RiverTree, Steve has spent that time across many different ministries. Through that process, he has spent thousands of hours learning all there is to know about an ever changing world of live audio production, which is where he now serves at RiverTree Jackson, and has for the last 12 years. You can also catch him running sound for various events in the area such as Alive Music Festival, Plain Township Amphitheater Concerts, and many more, all while being supported by his wife, Kristin, and 1 year old son, Beckett.

When he’s not hanging with his kids, or wife, Ellie, you can find Gary leading our Video Experience Team. This could be anything from shooting and editing the funny videos that you see in a service or online, to producing the live weekend experience that is presented at RiverTree Jackson every Sunday. He has been a part of the video team at RiverTree Jackson for 13 years, but he has also been a pastor and mentor for so many during that time. Caring for people like it’s 2nd nature, Gary brings a certain level of love and care to every room he enters.

Ellie wears many different hats here–and we are so thankful she does! She is our church mom–she makes sure everything we need for events (scheduling, decor, food, etc) gets done. In addition to serving our campus so well, she is a rockstar mom to her 3 young-adult kiddos; Jonah, Jailei, & Jasmine. You might also catch her walking around the park on a sunny day with her husband Gary. Their love story is one for the books!

Ariel oversees all things kids here at RTJ! That's where her heart truly is. Pouring into volunteers, knowing kiddo's names, helping parents navigate the scaries that come along with leaving their child to attend services...she is a rockstar! In addition to serving and leading so well, she is busy enjoying being married to her husband, Eric and a mom to her little boy, JP.

Eric is a Jackson grad which makes it even better that he LOVES sharing Jesus with the next generation. He leads our men and young adults in all weekend and weekday programming. On Sundays, you will almost always find him helping out in the Elementary hallway (most likely dancing around with the kids). He loves spending time with his wife, Ariel and little boy, JP.

Cindy leads our food service team that provides tasty lunches for our school kiddos as well as meals and decor for our special events. It's safe to say that food is her love language!

Jen is the ultimate utility player on any team. She has a huge heart for His church and His people, but loves systems and processes, too! She is a busy mama to four adult children and also a health and fitness coach. Jen is serving voluntarily on the team by helping folks new to RiverTree Jackson get connected.

Micah is passionate about all things worship and music. You can most often find him leading worship for students during the week at RiverTree Jackson. While he is finishing his college academics, Micah also serves as Worship Leader on Sundays at First Church of the Resurrection in Downtown Canton. 

Debbie is known for her heart. The level of pastoral care, that comes so naturally to her, is unmatched. That is why she is the perfect fit to lead our Prayer Team! Having a heart like this also makes her a top-tier grandma to those grandbabies. If you ask our staff, they would also tell you that she has the BEST laugh.

Beth's biggest passion is our students. She thrives in chaos and thus is the perfect fit for Student Min. Our students say she is the most fun and loving leader...I think our staff would agree, too.

In a church that is always changing, with big goals, and dreams, the projects are NEVER ending. Rodney is our best "yes-man" and can build/fix/maintain just about anything! He also holds a special place in many of our school kiddos hearts. They love watching Mr. Rodney mow and drive the tractor!

Sandy has been such an integral part of Student Ministries for a long time! She has a passion for leading trips. She co-founded the nonprofit RippleFX with her husband and is the BEST mom to her two kids, Caleb and Chloe.

Amanda has been with RTJ for many years! She found her passion for discipling children as a dedicated volunteer in our Kids Ministry. Upon coming on staff, she has continued to love on our kids and families so well. Amanda is a dedicated wife and mom of two boys, Aiden and Noah.

Jamie has been in the RiverTree family for years! She spent over a decade working with our RiverTree Jackson Kids ministry prior to her family heading to RiverTree Fairless for their church plant. Investing in the next generation has always been a priority to her!

Sonia runs our Food Pantry ministry on campus this includes helping the members of our community receive food, coordinating volunteers, and heading up our Backpack Program. Sonia enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with her family, including her first grandbaby!

Jon grew up in Canton and is a proud diehard Cleveland Browns fan. With 12+ years of professional experience in nonprofit arts as Director of Canton Players Guild, Jon also has 15+ years in ministry serving as a Creative Director, Worship Leader, and Pastor.  Jon serves at RiverTree Jackson and First Church of the Resurrection to bring his creative and worship expertise to the teams focusing on the weekend service experience. Jon will also serve as part of the teaching team at both locations to regularly preach the Word of God.