Leadership

Pastors & Staff

Mel Svendsen

Lead Pastor

  • I serve  as the Lead Pastor of Riverview Church.
  • I completed my Master’s of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) as well as substantial work toward my Doctorate at the same school. 
  • 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. 
  • My favorite coffee drink is a straight coffee.

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 biblical instructors for Night4All.
  • I have my  Master’s degree in Bible Exposition from Talbot school of Theology. 
  • 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.
  • I like hot tea and lemon water.

Hopena Kahakui

Pastor of High School & Young Adults

  • I am the Pastor of Young Adults and High School students.
  • My Hobbies include reading and throwing axes.
  • I am blessed with a lovely bride, Marlo, and our newborn son Weylan.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a Vanilla Bean Americano.

Adam Duroy

Pastor of Home Groups & Biblical Instruction

  • I oversee the Home Group ministry, Riverview University and Adult Bible Fellowship(ABF).
  • I also serve in our facilities department. 
  • I have a Master’s of Divinity degree from Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA).
  • I like my coffee on the stronger side— with a little bit of cream to smooth it out, and a little bit of honey to give it some sweetening! 
  • I also have a bible teaching blog, check it out here: https://www.westcoastbibleteacher.com/blog-2/

 Caden Svendsen

Junior High Pastor

  • I serve as the  Junior High Pastor here at Riverview
  • Graduate from Biola University with a Bachelors 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 pickleball. 
  • My favorite coffee is an Iced Latte with Oat Milk 

Janae Kramer

Children's Ministry Director

  • I am the Children's Ministry Director here at Riverview.
  • My hobbies are camping with my family, going to the beach and hiking.
  • My husband Kenny and I have three children, Wyatt, Zaya, and Cannon.
  • My favorite coffee drink is an Americano.

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.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a black coffee.

Steph Dynes

Director of Operations

  • I am the Director of Operations. 
  • My hobbies are traveling, and working out.
  • My husband Sean and I have a rescue dog named Koda.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a cappuccino.

Lindsey Bartolucci

 Administrative Coordinator

  • I am the Administrative Coordinator and have a passion for serving others.
  • Some of my favorite hobbies are crafting, doing hair, and spending time with family.
  • My husband, Paul and I have a daughter, Liliana and Marco.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a Cinnamon Vanilla Latte.

Jeanette Kranz

 Connections Coordinator

  • I am the Connections Coordinator, connecting our congregation through prayer requests, phone calls and Sunday mornings, and sharing 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, raised a son and three daughters. I have an eclectus parrot, and finches.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a Chocolate Chip Frappuccino.

Dave Albertson

Facilities Manager

  • I am the Facilities Manager.
  • My hobbies are woodworking, stamp & coin collecting,  and antiquing.
  • I am married and have six kids and eleven grandkids.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a coffee with cream.

Mason Munari

Media and Technology Manager

  • I serve as the media and technology manager at Riverview Church.
  • My hobbies include telling dad jokes, playing music, and taking photos.
  • My wife and I have two fur babies named Billie and Brandi.
  • My favorite coffee drink is an iced coffee with some half and half.

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.
  • My favorite coffee drink is a decaf black coffee.