LEAD PASTOR: Colton Emmert

Colton Emmert, grew up right here at River of Life in Sweet Home. He left Sweet Home as a young adult and began his service in ministry a few years later at Journey Church in Bend, Oregon under Pastor Keith Kirkpatrick. In his time serving in children’s and youth ministry there, Colton learned the importance of creating a church culture that welcomes all people and was gratified to be part of a community known as the “church for people who don’t like church.” Following his two year internship at Journey Church, Colton and his wife, Marissa, embarked on a three month mission trip to Uganda where they experienced the gift of teaching and spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to adults and children alike. Upon their return from Uganda, Colton and Marissa moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon where Colton accepted a youth pastor position at Cottage Grove Faith Center under Pastor Isaac Hovet. Cottage Grove Faith Center explores being community in Christ through Grace, Humility and Fun and exemplifies the phrase “Once we know the worst thing about you we will only love you more.” Colton took this message to heart along with all the other things he learned along the way and is passionate about leading a church that makes Christ accessible to EVERYONE through Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness. Colton lives and speaks a message of the Grace of Jesus that has transformed him and given his life meaning. In addition to his pastoral calling, Colton, as most would say ‘married up’, is a happy husband and father. Colton and Marissa are the proud parents of Adalynn, Asher, and Crimson. Through the Grace and Divine Providence of Christ, they have started their family right back here at River of Life in Sweet Home, Oregon. Colton has been the pastor of River of Life since April 2017 and has enjoyed every minute of it.

OFFICE STAFF:

Marissa Emmert

Marissa Emmert is an office administrator at River of Life and the wife of Pastor Colton. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Special Education. Two years later, she received her call to ministry and became a missionary in Uganda. After returning to the United States, she has filled a variety of roles in the church, including children’s church coordinator, women’s ministry coordinator, Pastor Leadership Team member, and speaker. Marissa loves Jesus with all her heart and is blessed to have a job where she can share that love with others. In her free time, she loves to run, read, and spend time with her husband and three children.

 Courtney Emmert