PASTOR DON CARSON
Don is a man of priorities and passion: first is Jesus, then his wife and family, and then the church. He enjoys the outdoors, long walks, swimming and body surfing, reading good books, doing a daily Bible reading with his wife, and when the opportunity arises, to spend time with his kids and grand children.
Don's passion in ministry is to teach the Word of God with clarity and accuracy, focusing on the practical application of Scripture. To grow strong believers, filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word, being devoted to prayer and fellowship, learning how to serve the Lord is what takes up most of his time. In addition, there isn't much that beats being able to share the gospel with a variety of people, both in and out of the church. Don's specialty is helping the Common Man to excel in his walk, to encourage ordinary Christians to be extraordinary.
Don's roots go back to a dramatic conversion he had at age 18, and an amazing and unexpected life transformation since that time. His call into full time ministry became clear early on, and over 10 years of education and a variety of ministry experiences, he and his wife ended up serving the Lord with Campus Crusade for Christ, now called, CRU.
From there they started a church in San Diego and pastored it for 10 years, then he pastored in Northern Cal for 3 1/2 years, then returned to San Diego where he eventually became the pastor of The River Church in 2003.

STAFF
ELDERS
Fritz Doran
Elder / Worship Pastor / Board
Kathleen Binstock
Operations / Board
Karlene Sarrisin
Deaconess / Children's Ministry
Roxanne Smith
Deaconess
Reneé Carson
Deaconess / Children's Ministry Director
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Don Carson
Lead Pastor
WORSHIP TEAM
Fritz and Andrea Doran
Stuart Loui
Chad Doran
Mike Altise
Brian Binstock
Sean Maines
John & Virginia Kasten
Nursery Ministry / Deaconess
Phil & Kristina Duncan
Children's Ministry / Communion Ministry
MULTIMEDIA
Wayne Sheets
Children's Ministry Administrator
Louie Montoya
Assistant to the Pastor