Leadership Team
We recognise and are grateful for the spiritual gift of leadership (Romans 12:8) and for the pattern we see across the New Testament for team (plurality of) leadership (Acts 20:17, Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 5:1 are just a few references).
We believe the role of local church leadership is rooted in servant leadership (Mark 20:41-45).
We carry this out by:
- Loving and serving the church family.
- Seeking to bring a sense of direction and perspective in areas of vision and theological understanding as we are led by the Spirit.
- Praying for the church regularly.
- Strengthening the culture and structures of our church family to equip one another and make disciples resulting in spiritual health and growth.
The authority Jesus has and the authority we therefore lead with, given to us by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:28) is to bring life and not take it away through control. It’s an authority ‘for’ others not a ‘lording it over’ others.
The Leadership Team
The River has a core visionary leadership team who serve the church by bringing direction, encouragement and guidance. (1 Timothy 5:17).
They are: Pete & Leo Bardwell, Peter Godward, Ruth Leverett and Martin Merrell. Pete leads the team and works full time for the church.
In addition, health comes to the whole body of the church as we see many others serve in leadership roles in specific ministry areas; gifted men and women who live with a passion to see individuals of all ages grow in who they are.
