Pastors Tim & Virginia Thomas
Pastor Timothy Thomas was born in Jerusalem, Israel where his parents were missionaries. His family moved to New York when Pastor Tim was a boy and he spent most of his life in Orleans Country. Pastor Virginia is from the good ole Bluegrass state of Kentucky. Their hearts for the Lord and for people lead them both individually to Bible College, The River University, in Tampa Florida. They met there in 2010 and knew from the start they would marry and eventually plant a church together.
After graduating from the River University they moved to Orleans County New York, got married and started a Bible Study where 22 people gathered to grow in the things of God. They held the Bible Study for about a year before they then moved to Ft. Worth, Texas for a season where they were Youth Pastors. They then moved to Kentucky where they ran and owned a family business while Youth Pastoring at a local church. Through all the seasons and moves, their hearts were still drawn to Western New York.
After 5 years from the original planting of the Bible Study in Orleans County, New York, Pastors Tim & Virginia moved back and officially launched The River Church New York! And it has been an incredible adventure with God ever since!
They have two children, Paisley & John Oak who each have a heart for the Lord just as their parents do.
Their vision is to see true revival take place within each person from the inside out. And from that revival to see a transformation of the county, region, state, and ultimately impacting the ends of the earth. They believe in the power of the Word of God, and that Word is what you will hear every service. If God's Word says it - We believe it - And that settles it!
Pastors Brian & Marijke Fetzner
Pastor Brian Fetzner was born and raised in Western New York, and Pastor Marijke (pronounced Mar-eye-ka) was a born and raised Florida girl. They met in 2008 in Tampa, Florida at River University, where they were trained alongside Pastors Tim and Virginia. After completing school Brian and Marijke got married in 2012. Brian always had it on his heart to come back to New York and run the family business, Fetzner Collision, which was started by his grandfather in 1948. The Lord has blessed and grown the business. The Lord also blessed and grew their family with 3 kids- a son, Jack, and twin girls, Kate and Norah.
Pastor Tim and Brian grew up together in Orleans County. When Brian was a teenager the Thomas brothers were the ones who invited him to a Conference where he gave his life to the Lord. Brian and Marijke have always had a desire to be used by the Lord in any and every way He would want to use them. After joining The River Church NY the Lord opened the door for Brian and Marijke to join Pastors Tim and Virginia as Associate Pastors. They are excited to work together for the Kingdom, reaching people with the Gospel and seeing lives changed forever.
we are here for you!
What does a Pastor do and why are they needed?
Let's see what the Bible says a Pastor should do
Preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. - 2 Timothy 4:2
A Pastor is to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God. They are to correct, warn, exhort, and encourage.
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. - 1 Peter 5:2-3
A Pastor is a shepherd of the people God has entrusted them with, God being the head of all. They are to care for people - teaching, leading and protecting them. They are to lead by example with a life that reflects the Word of God.
Everyone needs a Pastor or shepherd to be equipped spiritually, for protection, for spiritual covering, to be held accountable to, and to thrive in your walk with the Lord. This is the way the Lord established it from the days of the Early Church
And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church] - Ephesians 4:11-12
Your role is to join a Bible believing and Bible teaching church. Don't just attend and leave but plug in, allow the Word of God that is taught to work in your life and allow your Pastors to be your Pastors
Who are we submitted under?
The Bible talks a lot about submitting to authority and the importance of seeking wisdom. Just like congregation members are not called to be alone, Pastors are not either. It is not about singular church but rather the church as a whole, there to strengthen each other. That is also why there are different giftings and callings, for fully equipping and perfecting the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12). Pastors, Evangelist, Apostles, Prophets and Teachers all to work together.
Seeking Godly wisdom and surrounding yourself with those who give Godly counsel is very important. Submitting to and honoring the Leaders the Lord has placed in your life is vital to growth.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. - Hebrews 13:17
We part of Revival Ministries International Ministerial Association (RMIMA), under Pastors Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne. In Acts 4:23 it says that Peter and John, after the miracles, after the persecution, "went to their own company", just like then this is the company we go to. RMIMA is committed to bringing about the fellowship and support of ministers of like precious faith. Those men and women with a common vision, a common focus, and a common passion that declares, "Revival—Nothing More, Nothing Less and Nothing Else!" An association not for the exclusion of some, but for the inclusion of every minister who desires to see revival shake their land, leading to a great awakening with a vast harvest of souls in these last days.
That is our vision as well, to see souls saved and revival shake this land
-GOD'S WORD SAYS IT - WE BELIEVE IT -
THAT SETTLES IT-
River Church NY
3622 Knowlesville Rd.
Knowlesville NY, 14470
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