About Us

The River Community Church began as a dream in the heart of our founding pastor many years ago but began to really take shape in 2004. As this vision was shared with a handful of key families, this dream became a “shared vision” with like-minded believers. As the Lord led the initial Core Group members to share the vision with others, we began to see many drawn to what the Lord was providentially putting together. The initial three families that came together to start the church did not even know each other previously. It was truly a “God thing” that was going on and, in His timing, He brought these families together to do a new work. They began meeting as a CORE Group of believers from October 2004 to March 2005. 

Lead Pastor

Pastor Brady is the founding pastor of The River Community Church and brings many years of ministry experience and a creative passion to the church. Pastor Todd has been involved with several other church plants in his 21 years of Ministry. He is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master's of Divinity. Before, during, and after seminary, Pastor Todd has led the church in youth ministry, discipleship, and pastoral roles; but church-planting has always been on his heart.

Pastor Todd has always had a heart to reach people for Jesus Christ and his leadership provides the church with a passion to do just that. He is a gifted communicator with a strong command of God's Word. He is a leader of leaders and provides the leadership for staff and ministry leaders as well. He and his wife Angela, have two children, Josh and Rebecca. Todd and Angela work together in ministry at The River and in our community. Angela is a Real Estate Broker and Instructor which enables them to meet a lot of new people. Most people call our Pastor, “Pastor Todd!” If you want to know some personal things about our Pastor, it’s simple, he loves Carolina Basketball, riding motorcycles, and is a “self-proclaimed” Chef – which means he just loves to cook for folks and serve others!

Executive Pastor Mike Klapp

Pastor Mike has a desire to be obedient in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ across the street and around the world and to equip believers to do the same. Mike and his wife Rebekah have served in many capacities at The River Community Church from Alpha & Omega (set-up & break down ministry), sound & AV, serving with the youth & children, VBS and multiple mission trips. Mike is a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master's in Ministry Leadership. Mike is a hands-on leader who loves to teach, train, and model what it is to be obedient to the Great Commission and to follow Christ's commands. Mike and Rebekah have two children, Cara and Cole, who are the most amazing part of Team Klapp! 

Worship Leader

Marsha leads The River Worship Band and congregation in praise and worship. She is a motivator and her heartfelt purpose in serving in music is that others will feel the presence of the Lord, draw close to the Savior, or come to know Him personally through worship as we learn together at The River Community Church. Her philosophy is that all the glory belongs to the Lord, and that our talents are not on display for performance, but in praise and gratitude to the Lord for what He has given us. Marsha graduated with honors from Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, receiving an Associate of Arts in General Education. She went on to study at Coastal Carolina University, majoring music education for young children. She also received a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating Summa Cum Laude, from Florida Institute of Technology. She has served in local area churches for over 20 years as a music director for children’s worship and as a choral music director. She is blessed to be married to Hector Tafoya. They have a precious blended family of children and grandchildren. She is grateful for God’s blessings in her life and for His guidance that led her to this wonderful church family.

Children and Youth Ministries Director

Erika and Michael Padrick have been members of The River since 2016. Originally from Arizona, Michael and Erika have been married since 2015, and have called North Carolina home since 2016. Michael works for Cape Fear Valley Hospital and is currently an Officer in the United States Army. He also serves as an Elder at The River. Erika worked as a social worker before coming on staff at The River, and has her Master's degree in Criminology. Michael and Erika have three children, James, Rosalee, and Adelaide. They enjoy spending time outside and being with friends and family.