Staff

Meet the Staff

John C. Crowe, Pastor

In January of 2000, I began the most exciting time of my life; coming to Fulshear to start a new church that would become River Bend.  It has been an amazing journey filled with changed lives, miracles, and the close presence of God’s Spirit.  We have had mountaintop experiences as well as going through dark valleys, but God has continued to call His people and form His church.

I came with my wife, Diane, and our two sons, Justin and Michael.  Both Justin and Michael have grown up here and graduated from Foster High School.  Currently, they are continuing their education in different colleges in Texas.

Diane and I met and fell in love while attending the youth group at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy.  We both attended Howard Payne University where I earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies, and Diane a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.  We were married one week after graduation and quickly moved to New Orleans so I could attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  I earned my Masters of Divinity there and served area churches for 11 years before moving to Fulshear.

I often feel like Jeremiah when God told him, He knew the plans he had for him.

I may be contacted through my email at JCrowe@RiverBendBC.org

Lin Dismuke, Preschool and Children’s Ministry Director

Serving as Preschool and Children’s Ministry Director at River Bend is an amazing opportunity and adventure.  It is a privilege for our ministry to be a tool that God uses in the lives of children and families at River Bend and in the local community.  Through relationships with people at River Bend, we have seen the way faith intersects life.

My husband, Keith, and I are from Jackson, Tennessee.  We are charter members of River Bend.  Keith and I enjoy people and music.  I also enjoy reading and sewing.  We have two grown children and three grandchildren.  For 25 years I have served in leadership with Bible Study Fellowship, International.  I earned my degree in Liberal Studies from Santa Fe College, including coursework at Union University, University of Florida, Louisiana State University, and the University of Oklahoma.

III John verse 4  “Nothing gives me greater joy than to hear that my children are following the way of truth.”  This verse is the foundation of my personal ministry and the Preschool and Children’s ministry at River Bend.

Please feel free to contact me at 832-816-0854 or LDismuke@RiverBendBC.org.

Todd Melton, Minister of Education and Worship

I grew up in the home of a pastor and accepted Christ at a young age.  I attended Howard Payne University where I met my wife, Kayla.  During my time at HPU, God called me into the music ministry.  Upon graduating college, Kayla and I moved to Ft. Worth so I could attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  After receiving my Masters in Church Music, we served for several years in northeast Texas where my oldest daughter, Katy, was born.   In 2003 God called us to River Bend Baptist Church.  While living in the Katy area God blessed us with a second daughter, Kourtney.  God has faithfully provided for our family and His church.  It is exciting to see what He is going to do next.

I enjoy spending time with my family and love all kinds of music.  I also like to run, bike, play ultimate Frisbee, and just about anything else.

If you would like to contact Todd you may do so at 281-797-0185 or TMelton@RiverBendBC.org.

 

Russell Walje, Minister of Youth

In June of 2008, God led Kirsten, myself, and our two children to Texas.  There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t stand amazed at how God took a Missouri dirt farmer’s son and brought him to where he is today.

The challenges I faced from having Tourette Syndrome to finding God’s will for my life took me in many directions.  At age 25, I found peace and direction as God called me into student ministry.  I left the work force and embarked on a long and challenging journey that took me to Southwest Baptist University.  I earned my Bachelors degree in Religious Education/Youth Ministry, with a minor in Counseling.  It was here that I met my future wife, Kirsten.

God took Kirsten and me to North Kansas City, where we attended Midwest Baptist University.  I earned a Masters degree in Religious Education while there.  After graduation, the Lord led us to Camden, Arkansas, where I served as Youth Pastor at Cullendale First Baptist Church.  The next leg in our journey took us back to Missouri where I served as Student Minister for ten years at First Baptist Church of Farmington.  It was from here that God brought us to Texas.

I praise God for all He has done in my life and the life of my family.  I look at each day with excitement and joy as I strive to serve Him faithfully in this wonderful church of River Bend Baptist.

Please feel free to contact me at 832-363-7974 or RWalje@RiverBendBC.org.

 

Gail Blair, Treasurer

Gail joined the church in 2003 as a retired oil-industry CPA.  Gail is a vital part of the church staff.  Although she is a volunteer, her duties are essential.  Serving as Treasurer of RBBC, she oversees all the finances of the church and budgeting process.

For many years, Gail and her dobermans have provided smiles for patients and shut-ins through pet therapy programs.  Currently she travels with Billy and will soon be adding another therapy dog to her long line of smile-makers.  Other interests include gardening in her raised beds so she can share the bounty.  Gail is a Master Gardener.

Gail can be reached at GBlair@RiverBendBC.org.

 

Tricia Irwin, Administrative Assistant – Finance

I joined the River Bend staff in February of 2011 assisting in the finance department.  After raising my family, I worked as a teacher for eight years, the last four years in Math.  My husband, Tom, and I are active members of River Bend.  I enjoy singing, working with our youth, and facilitating the Ladies’ Bible study.  When away from work and church, I enjoy music, cooking, reading, and knitting.

You can contact me at TIrwin@RiverBendBC.org.

 

Ann Barnhart, Administrative Assistant

I joined the staff in July of 2009 as Receptionist/Administrative Assistant.  I consider my position a blessing, more  of a ministry than a job, and am grateful for the opportunity to serve the family of River Bend.  My husband, John and I, enjoy camping, kayaking, and just walking our dawg, Abby.  Our outdoor experiences are enhanced when our son Jeff, is able to visit with us from California.

Please let me know if I can assist you with any membership concerns or general administrative needs.  I can be reached at 281-346-2279 or by email at ABarnhart@RiverBendBC.org.

PJ Henson, Administrative Assistant

The Lord certainly had His hand in sending me to River Bend in July of 2010.  Having worked in a church environment in the past, I feel extremely blessed to be able to do so again.

In my spare time, I can be found golfing with my husband Jonathan.  (He golfs, I whack.) I also enjoy working crossword puzzles, reading, and swimming with our two Belgian Sheepdogs.  I love to travel and could easily become a professional tourist if time and money were not an obstacle.

If you need to place an article in the bulletin or newsletter, schedule a meeting or activities, or have any other administrative need, feel free to contact me in the church office Monday through Thursday, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  at 281-346-2276.  You may also reach me through email at PJHenson@RiverBendBC.org.

Debbie McCaghren, Extended Session Coordinator

I  am a charter member of River Bend Baptist Church.  My husband, Marty, and I have been teachers in the Babies’ class since that time.  We have three grown children, two of which are married, and one grandson.

I have been a preschool teacher since 1989.  I enjoy photography and reading.

As the extended Sessions Coordinator, my primary responsibility is scheduling volunteers for the extended session on Sunday mornings.  If you would like to volunteer with our preschoolers on Sunday morning, please contact me at DMcCaghren@RiverBendBC.org.

Keno Brown, Building Maintenance

Joining us in June of 2007, Keno keeps our building clean, prepares rooms for events, and maintains our grounds.   Keno also works at Huggins Elementary making that facility safe and clean for the students and staff.  He has worked in this field for over 25 years. Keno is an ordained minister who preaches at River Bend and local area churches occasionally.  Keno has enjoyed this opportunity for 14 years.  Growing up in Richmond, Texas, he attended Lamar Consolidated Independent Schools.  He served four years in the Army.  Keno has two sons, Tyrone and Tremon.  Keno enjoys spending his spare time with his sons.

Messages can be left at the front office for Keno.

 

Jarrett Boxleitner, Building Maintenance Assistant

Jarrett became part of the River Bend team in August of 2008, as a part-time employee, working Tuesdays through Thursdays.   Assisting Keno, Jarrett helps to make River Bend Baptist Church ready for many of the events and activities throughout the year.  Jarrett grew up in Katy, graduating from Foster High School.  During his years there, he participated in track and cross country.  He enjoys reading, watching television, and listening to rock n’ roll music.

Messages can be left at the front office for Jarrett.