Dear River Friends,

During our Sunday morning services today, we shared significant updates regarding our pastoral team. Three of our pastors have individually decided to step down from their roles at The River and transition out within the next six months: Brad Wong, our Lead Pastor; Michelle Manley, our Pastor of Spiritual Formation; and Lesley Stahl, our Children’s Ministry Pastor.

This was not a group decision, nor were any of these departures initiated by the Board. Each person arrived at their decision independently. You can read letters from Brad and Michelle using the links provided at the end of this message. These transitions are also not related to any new developments in the ongoing investigations. We all (including Brad and Michelle) will continue to cooperate with the Stier investigation when it resumes.

We know this may feel sudden and like a lot of change at once. These decisions were made relatively recently, and we thought it best to share this news all together and as soon as reasonably possible.

In moments that feel like tectonic shifts in the life of our church, it’s important to remember that Jesus is our solid rock and unchanging foundation. We ultimately put our trust in and seek the Lord. And if you're wondering, “What will become of my church?”—let us remember that the church is the body, the people. While we will deeply miss these three beloved and faithful staff members, the body and bride of Christ lives on in you, in me, in all of us.

With such significant change happening at around the same time, we find ourselves asking: what might God be doing in our midst? What new wineskin is God preparing for The River in this next season of our life as a church?

To help with this season of discernment and in the hiring of new staff, the Board will be forming two task forces: one to work on the Lead Pastor search, and another to develop transition plans alongside staff and Board members and to provide transitional support.

On Sunday, April 6, the Board will share more details about these task forces during our morning services. And for River Partners, there will be a Partnership Meeting on May 4 at 12:45pm (after second service) where we’ll provide updates on both the task forces and the broader transition process.

We know each of us processes change differently. Some will lean naturally toward the promises of God and the hope of new beginnings. Others may feel unsettled or anxious. For those feeling the weight of uncertainty, we’re reminded of the story of Joshua: After Moses’ death, the Lord said to him, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” We can trust that God will not only be with The River but is the one leading us into what comes next.

Please pray for Brad, Michelle, and Lesley; for our staff team; and for our church as a whole during this time of transition. Pray that we would hear God clearly and follow with courage and confidence.

You can read Brad and Michelle's letters at the links below.

In faith,

The River Board

Cameron Ashizawa, Board Chair

Chris Maitz

Grant Jenks

Michelle Albertson

Tom Tsao