Meet the Leadership Team at River Church Norman
River Church is led by a team of pastors and ministry staff who are committed to helping people know Jesus and follow Him for a lifetime. Our leaders serve in teaching, discipleship, worship, college ministry, youth ministry, children’s ministry, missions, and church care. We believe healthy churches are led by servant leaders who faithfully teach God’s Word, care for people, and equip others to make disciples.
If you’re looking for a church in Norman, Oklahoma, we’d love the opportunity to meet you and help you get connected.
JT Kliewer | Lead Teaching Pastor
JT Kliewer serves on staff and the pastor team as the Lead Teaching Pastor at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. He provides biblical preaching, vision, and leadership for the church, helping people know Jesus and follow Him through faithful, gospel-centered teaching. JT holds a Master of Divinity degree and is passionate about making God’s Word understandable, practical, and transformative for everyday life.
Before joining River Church, JT and his wife, Jaime, spent many years serving overseas in missions. Their heart for the nations continues to shape River Church’s commitment to sharing the gospel both locally and around the world. JT and Jaime are both University of Oklahoma graduates and have three children. Together, they are committed to helping people grow as disciples of Jesus and become active members of God’s mission.
Watch recent sermons → HERE
Emilio Ortiz | Youth Director
Emilio Ortiz serves on staff as the Youth Director at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. He leads River Youth by helping middle school and high school students build a strong biblical foundation, develop authentic friendships, and grow into lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. Emilio is passionate about teaching God’s Word, mentoring students, and partnering with parents as they disciple the next generation.
Emilio and his wife, Shelby, have faithfully served at River Church for many years in youth ministry, small groups, missions, and discipleship. Together they have experience leading mission teams overseas and investing in young people through personal mentoring and biblical teaching. Their desire is to see students love Jesus, know His Word, and boldly live out their faith.
Learn more about River Church Youth Ministry → HERE
Brent Jenkins | College Pastor & Worship Ministry
Brent Jenkins serves on the pastor team as the College Pastor at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Brent oversees River’s college ministry, helping University of Oklahoma students grow in their relationship with Jesus through Bible studies, discipleship groups, leadership development, and missions. He also leads River Church’s worship ministry alongside a dedicated team of volunteers.
Brent holds a Master of Theology degree and has spent more than sixteen years discipling college students in Norman. He and his wife, Krysten, have three sons. Brent is passionate about helping people understand God’s Word, develop lifelong spiritual habits, and become faithful followers of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about River Church College Ministry → HERE
Matt & Michelle DeLouise | Pastor & Volunteer and Communications Director
Matt DeLouise serves on the pastor team at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Drawing from years of leadership in the workplace, international missions, and local church ministry, Matt helps shepherd the church through teaching, discipleship, and pastoral care. He is passionate about equipping believers to discover and faithfully use their gifts to serve Christ and His church.
Michelle DeLouise serves on staff as River Church’s Volunteer and Communications Director. She oversees church communication, coordinates volunteer teams, and helps people find meaningful places to serve within the church. Matt and Michelle have four children and are passionate about building a healthy church where people are connected, equipped, and encouraged to grow in their faith.
Stuart Edwards | Pastor
Stuart Edwards serves on the pastor team at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Alongside his work for an Oklahoma City energy company, Stuart faithfully serves the church through teaching, leadership, discipleship, and pastoral care. He brings thoughtful biblical wisdom and practical leadership to his role as a pastor.
Stuart earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He and his wife, Amy, have three children and are actively involved in Community Groups, Young Adults Ministry, and encouraging parents of students within the church. Their desire is to see families flourish as they grow together in Christ.
Tom & Bre Pedersen | Pastor and Women’s Ministry
Tom Pedersen serves on the pastor team at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. He brings decades of leadership experience from business, international missions, and local church ministry. Tom is passionate about helping people discover their God-given gifts, grow in spiritual maturity, and faithfully serve the church.
Bre Pedersen leads River Church’s Women’s Ministry, encouraging women to know God’s Word, build meaningful relationships, and grow as disciples of Jesus. Tom and Bre are both University of Oklahoma graduates, founding members of River Church, and parents of four children. Since helping launch River Church, they have faithfully invested in developing leaders and strengthening the church family.
Dave Edwards | Founding Pastor
Dave Edwards serves on the pastor team and is the founding pastor of River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. Before planting River Church in 2006, Dave spent more than three decades serving in college ministry, young adult ministry, and local church leadership throughout Norman. His passion has always been helping people know Jesus, grow as disciples, and live on mission for the gospel.
Dave and his wife, Nancy, have four children and many grandchildren. Their faithful leadership, love for people, and commitment to biblical ministry helped establish the foundation and culture of River Church that continues today.
Learn about River Church’s mission and values → HERE
Lacee Hogg | Children’s Ministry Director
Lacee Hogg serves on staff as the SPLASH Children’s Ministry Director at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. She leads River’s children’s ministry by equipping volunteers, partnering with parents, and creating a safe, engaging environment where children learn God’s Word and grow in their faith from an early age.
Lacee has served in children’s ministry for many years across multiple church settings and brings a deep passion for helping children know Jesus and understand the Bible. She and her husband, David, have two children and have faithfully served River Church in many different ministry roles. Together, they are committed to helping families build a strong biblical foundation that lasts a lifetime.
Learn more about SPLASH Kids’ Ministry at River Church → HERE
Kamryn Ritz | Children’s Ministry Assistant
Kamryn Ritz serves on staff as the SPLASH Children’s Ministry Assistant at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma. She helps recruit, train, and support children’s ministry volunteers while partnering with the SPLASH Director to disciple and invest in the lives of children and families throughout the church.
Kamryn and her husband, Micah, are University of Oklahoma graduates who have faithfully served at River Church for many years. Kamryn has experience leading small groups, serving on overseas mission teams, and mentoring young women in their faith. She is passionate about helping children and families know Jesus and grow in a lifelong relationship with Him.
Tanner Bray | Ministry Resident
Tanner Bray serves as the Ministry Resident at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma, where he invests in the church’s Young Adults and College Ministries. He works alongside the pastoral staff to disciple students, develop leaders, teach God’s Word, and help more young adults become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Tanner is married to Kaitlin, and they are both committed members within our church.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2025, Tanner joined the River Church staff with a desire to reach the next generation with the gospel. During his time at OU, he discipled college men through Bible studies, served with STUMO campus ministry, and participated in overseas mission work. Tanner is passionate about helping young adults build a biblical foundation that will shape the rest of their lives.
Mariah Stauffer | Ministry Resident
Mariah Stauffer serves as a Ministry Resident at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma, where she invests in college students and international students. Mariah graduated from Fort Hays State University in 2025 and joined the River Church team with a heart to invest in the next generation. Having grown up in Nebraska and Kansas, she has a love for people from different backgrounds and cultures and is excited to help college and international students find a community where they are known, welcomed, and encouraged in their faith.
Outside of ministry, Mariah loves CrossFit and traveling the world. Whether she’s meeting someone over coffee, working out, or exploring a new place, she enjoys connecting with people and hearing their stories. Mariah is excited to serve students in Norman and help more people know Jesus and follow Him.
We’d Love to Meet You
Whether you’re new to church, new to Norman, or simply looking for a church home, our pastors and staff would love to meet you. Join us on Sunday, introduce yourself after the service, or contact us HERE and we’d love to answer any questions about River Church.
Leadership Team FAQ
Who is the lead pastor of River Church Norman?
JT Kliewer serves as the Lead Teaching Pastor at River Church in Norman, Oklahoma.
Is River Church led by multiple pastors?
Yes. River Church is led by a team of pastors who share responsibility for teaching, shepherding, leadership, and discipleship throughout the church.
Is River Church affiliated with a denomination?
Yes. River Church partners with the Southern Baptist Convention while being locally governed by its own pastor team and members.
Can I contact one of the pastors?
Absolutely. We’d love to meet you and answer any questions you have about River Church or help you get connected to a ministry. Fill out our Connection Card HERE and we’ll reach back out to you soon!
How do I meet the leadership team?
One of the best ways is to simply join us for a Sunday worship or attend our Preview Membership Lunch, held about every 4 weeks. At this informational meeting, you’ll get to meet some River Church pastors, learn about the heart and vision of River Church in Norman, and learn about more ways to get involved within our church. You can learn more about Preview Membership Lunch HERE
River Church Values
Learn more about the values that shape our church culture HERE
What does River Church believe?
Learn more about our statement of faith and doctrinal beliefs HERE
Becoming a member at River Church
Learn about church membership, and our process to become a member HERE