Staff and Ministry Leaders — River of Life Church

River of Life Staff

Lead Pastor
Dustin comes to River of Life after having served as a missionary in China for 10 years and in bi-vocational ministry in Pullman, WA for 4 years. He and his wife Andrea have four children and baby Paisley who is with Jesus. He is passionate about preaching God's Word, training leaders, international missions and discipling the next generation. In his free time he enjoys playing and watching sports with his family, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oregon Ducks. A few books he recommends are Desiring God by John Piper, The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer and Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.
dustin@riveroflifehastings.org

Associate Pastor
Burke joins River of Life after spending 5 years as a Children’s Pastor in Cambridge, MN, followed by 7 years of working as a healthcare Chaplain in a variety of settings. He has a passion for walking with people through life's difficult and messy situations while pointing resolutely to the Gospel. Burke married his wife Joy in December 2023, and he is now working on cultivating a love for Minnesota sports in Joy, while she teaches him how to be a Swiftie. They love traveling, any form of a good story, friendly competition, and spending time with people. A few books Burke recommends are Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund, The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller, and the devotional New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp.

burke@riveroflifehastings.org

Youth Director & Pastoral Intern
JT has a deep passion for discipling the next generation and faithfully teaching God’s Word, helping young people grow in their love for Christ and His Church. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Bethlehem Seminary in Minneapolis and is being trained in theology, biblical languages, and gospel-centered ministry. As part of a three-year pastoral internship, JT is gaining hands-on experience in preaching, shepherding, and church leadership.
JT is joyfully married to his wife, Bobbi, and together they are raising five sons. His role as husband and father is central to his calling, and he brings that same intentionality into his ministry. He also enjoys coaching youth baseball, fishing, and exploring God’s creation.
youth@riveroflifehastings.org

Children’s Ministry Director

Michelle has been sharing the love of Jesus with children and teens her entire adult life. She has been a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, Christmas program director, VBS and AWANA leader, and is currently serving as the Children’s Ministry Director here at River of Life. She oversees an amazing group of volunteers whose desire is to help children learn about Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him. She enjoys having coffee with friends, spending time with her family, and watching her boys play soccer. Michelle is a wife, homeschool mom of seven children and “Mimi” to three beautiful grandchildren.
kids@riveroflifehastings.org