Leadership & Staff

We are led by a group of elders and deacons. We are also affiliated with a network of churches and ministries called Alliance International Ministries. They provide us with oversight and connection to other ministries and resources. We invite their input and welcome the role they play in our community.

Elders

Larry Maas

James Ruark

Max Scholz

Mark Tanis

Joel Walma

Deacons

Don Benz

Ed Ellison

Bob Faber

Rick Navis

Gary Sams

Mary Vanden Berg

Kent Vanderwood

Randy Vruggink
Senior Pastor

Randy and Sheri were married in 1977. They have four married daughters and two wonderful grand daughters.

Sheri works two days a week as a dental hygienist as well as being active in the church on the worship team and leading the Sunday school.

Randy is the founding pastor of River of God Church which started in 1999. He has had a passion for the local church since 1972 when he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He has served the church in many capacities including nursery director, deacon, elder, and home group leader.

Randy worked for twenty years selling office supplies before taking on the role of senior pastor. He did not pursue higher education until after his daughters completed their schooling at which time he enrolled at Cornerstone University and just recently graduated with a degree in Ministry Leadership. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a Masters degree in leadership.

Pastoring the local church is his true passion and delight, but is thankful also for the opportunities he has had to minister in several countries including France, Bulgaria, and Zimbabwe.

Julie Braun
Associate Pastor

Marty and Julie have been married for 33 years. They have three children, Justin, Amy and Seth, and five fantastic grandchildren.

Marty is a banker currently employed by Chemical Bank and works in Byron Center. He serves the church ministering along side Julie.

Julie has been employed by the church as the associate pastor since its inception in 1999. Along with pastoring the jr and sr high youth of the church, she and Marty founded a ministry targeted at raising up a generation of young people who are passionate lovers of Jesus with a passion for reaching the inner city, called Diamonds in the Rough.

Julie sits on the board of directors of United in Christ Ministries, a ministry involving several churches, that reaches out to the Black Hills neighborhood in Grand Rapids.

Julie is director of Kid’s Camp, which is her favorite week of the year. She loves to plan and direct retreats and mission trips.