Tom Tanner Senior Pastor Tom
came to RiverStone Church in August of 1999 after eight years as
Director of the University of Georgia Wesley Foundation in Athens, GA.
He was named Senior Pastor in January of 2002. Tom believes that God
has called RiverStone to participate with Him in the "transformation of
our community." Tom and his wife Melissa have two children, Mason and
Grace Ann.
Terry Cantrell Associate Pastor Terry came to RiverStone Church in April of 1999 after serving as the Director of Discipleship at Marietta First United Methodist Church. He entered into full-time ministry in 1997 following an eighteen-year career with Lockheed-Martin. Terry oversees cell groups and the prayer and healing ministries. Terry and his wife Patty have two children, Ruth Allen and Patrick. 678.384.5205
Mark Nysewander Associate Pastor Mark joined the staff of RiverStone Church in March 2003. Mark has had ministry experience as a pastor, church planter, missionary, and evangelist. Mark heads up the leadership development areas of the church as well as working closely with the missions committee and prayer ministries. Mark and his wife Kathy have three children, Jenny, Dwight, and John Mark. 678.384.5206
Daniel Bashta Worship Pastor
Daniel lives to see a generation put their worship into motion. He
is giving his life to this one mission. He knows that there is an awakening
that is erupting all over the world and that we will be marked as the true
revival dreaming generation.He is the founder of Go Motion Worldwide, a non
profit he started to impact the world through music, media, and missions.He believes with all his heart that with
the Creator of the universe living inside of us, we should be the most creative
people on the planet It’s time to Roar! Daniel and his wife Taylor have one dog named Jerry. 678.384.5204
Donna Bardwell Director of Comunicaitons and Services Donna came to RiverStone Church in May of 1999 as the Director of Children’s Ministry. In January 2004 she became the Director of Communications, a job that encompasses connecting many areas of the church and seeing that the congregation is well informed. She and her husband Richard have three children, Trey, Kimberly and Ryan. 678.384.5209
Cory Hallett Director of Student Ministries Cory Hallett joined the staff of RiverStone Church in June 2005. He graduated from UGA with a degree in Speech Communication. As Director of Student Ministries, Cory and his team of volunteer leaders seek to walk alongside middle and high school students as they grow in their relationships with the Lord. Cory and Ann Marie have one daughter, Anna Claire. 678.384.5213
Kristin McLendon Student Ministry Associate Kristin joined the staff of RiverStone Church in August 2008. She is a graduate of The University of Georgia and comes to RiverStone after serving as Youth Minister for five years at Richmond Hill United Methodist Church in Richmond Hill, Georgia. Kristin and her husband Robert have a passion for this generation to become extravagant lovers of Jesus, their Bridegroom, and to walk in the fullness that God intends for them today. 678.384.5212
Kessler Dixon Director of Nursery and Childcare Kessler came on staff in June 2006 as the Nursery Area Leader. Kessler began as the volunteer area leader in 1999 and has served the Garden in many different capacities over the years. Now as the Nursery Area Leader, her desire is to help raise up a generation of children who have an uncompromising passion for Jesus. Kessler and her husband Chris have three children, Elizabeth, Bryant, and Blake.
Lori Deal Nursery - Kindergarten Director Director of Seedlings Lori joined the garden staff of RiverStone in June 2006. Prior to joining the staff, Lori served as a shepherd for two years and taught at a Christian preschool for ten years. Her desire is to equip children to follow God's plan for their lives. Lori and her husband Simeon have two daughters, Megan and Ginny.
Haley Watkins Elementary Director Sprouts Area Leader Haley joined the Garden staff in 2008. Before this, she was an elementary school teacher in Cobb County for 6 years. Haley is passionate about seeing children experience God in a real and powerful way through age appropriate instruction and care. Haley and her husband Jeff have two children- Jarrett and Carys
Judy Gabriel Office Manager Judy and her husband Dick have been a part of RiverStone Church from the beginning. Judy was a retired attorney when God called her to use her time and administrative gifts to further His Kingdom by joining the RiverStone staff in December of 1999. Dick and Judy have six grown children and six grandchildren. 678.384.5201
Erin Baltz Pastor's Assistant Erin joined the RiverStone staff in January 2003 after working four years as the event director for a local ministry. Erin provides administrative and prayer support to the pastors in order that they may "give themselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word." Erin and her husband Daniel have one child, Jack. 678.384.5208
Karla Bowling Administrative Assistant Karla has been volunteering at RiverStone Church since the church's inception. She came on staff in October 2001 as the Area Leader for nurseries, two year olds, and 3 & 4-K. She moved into an administrative position in January 2006. Karla and her husband Tim have three children Megan, Sarah, and Matthew. 678.384.5203
