Pastors

Pastors Lew & Lorri Wootan have been involved in ministry since the ‘80s. Lew and Lorri traveled on the evangelistic field for 22 years. They first came to minister in Oregon in 1994 and made it their home in 1997. After nearly 8 years in Oregon, the Lord took them to Utah, where they planted two churches.  They returned to Oregon in 2011 and have been pastoring The River Church. Their hearts are to see the lost brought to Christ and hope given back to the hopeless. Love sums up their ministry. 

When Pastor Jim turned 33 years old, he heard the call of God to shepherd God’s people. Jim was appointed to the Keizer Open Bible Church, until the congregation launched out in faith in a new location, the Keizer Quality Inn Conference Center, with a new name, The River Church, and with a stronger leadership partnership with Pastors Lew and Lorri Wootan.
Pastor Shannon Banke gave her heart to Jesus when she was 12 years old at the Kelso Washington Presbyterian Church. Shannon obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from George Fox University. Shannon has followed God’s directive to strengthen the disciples through teaching in youth prisons, Christian schools, chapels, Sunday schools, and musical productions. Currently, Shannon has been ordained with The River Church.

This farm boy and country girl have been happily married since 1997. Despite the many ups and downs of life, being unable to have children due to cancer, and having children that they thought of as their own taken from them, life felt empty and incomplete. As a distraction, they put all of their energy into their careers, having fun, being social, and staying busy. Although they never left each other’s side, they let their true passion for each other and the things of Christ fade away. On October 10, 2017, they had a reality check, a “come back to Jesus moment,” and God led them to The River through Celebrate Recovery. Since being at The River, and surrounded by love and an atmosphere of growth and change, the Holy Spirit has fired up a new life in them! They have passion for people and seeing lives changed, and are excited for what the Holy Spirit has next! .

Pastor Sharon is the daughter of a Christian Alliance Ministry pastor. Sharon completed nurses aid training at Central Arizona Community College. She has assisted her late husband, David, in ministry, first in nursing homes, then as he pastored a church and assisted with church plants. Pastor Sharon has enjoyed s life-long music ministry starting with membership in the Back To The Bible Youth Choir and the Simpson College Choir. She enjoys her involvement with The River Church Worship team to this day. 

Pastor Alma was born in a small town in Arizona. She is the oldest of 10 children. Her family relocated to California when she was very young, where she and her siblings were raised. She loves traveling, fishing, bowling, volley ball, playing various card games and enjoys being with her family and friends. She moved to Independence, Oregon in 1968, where she met and married her husband Roger Markson, and they had 2 daughters and 3 sons. Alma was happily married to her soul mate for 38 years before the Lord took him home in 2007. She received Christ into her life over 37 years ago. Alma has an extensive history in ministry with her husband, running revivals and meetings where they witnessed many souls come to Christ. They also held seminars encouraging married couples. After the passing of her husband, she faithfully continued in ministry work. She’s been a Choir Director, Youth President, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher and a Spiritual Mentor. Her deepest desire is to see souls added to the kingdom. God has given her a heart for the lost and a “right now word” to destroy chains of bondage, heal broken hearts, restore lives, and bring souls out of the horrible pit of sin.