ABOUT US
ROOTED CORE VALUES
BUILT ON PRAYER
Every decision made is done with prayer and communion with Christ.
PURSUIT OF THE LOST
Every soul is invaluable. We will reach the lost at any cost!
EXIST TO SERVE
Like Christ, we will serve everyone.
EMPOWER TO DISCIPLE AND SEND
Following Jesus' command, we will boldly disciple and send out!
BEYOND GENEROUS
We will sacrificially give of our time, talents, and treasure for the Church.
LOVE AND ENCOURAGE EVERYONE
Building up the Body of Christ by demonstrating genuine love & encouragement.
CHRIST-CENTERED WORSHIP
Christ will be exalted in every aspect of our worship.
FREE OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Fruit of the Spirit will always be growing, and the Gifts of the Spirit will be allowed to freely operate in order.
GET TO KNOW US
KNOW CHRIST. GROW DEEP. GO EVERYWHERE.
DOCTRINE
WE BELIEVE
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The Holy Bible is the inspired word of God.
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There is one true God.
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The deity of Jesus Christ.
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Humanity willingly fell to sin.
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Every person can have a restored relationship with God through ‘Salvation’.
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The Sacraments of the Church are Water Baptism, Holy Communion, and Marriage.
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The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is given to all believers to empower the Church.
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In the initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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Sanctification is an ongoing process of yielding to God’s Word and His Spirit.
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The Church is the Body of Christ appointed to fulfill the Great Commission.
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The Church is divinely called and scripturally ordained to fulfill the Great Commission.
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Healing is given as a sign which is to follow believers as illustrated by Jesus Christ.
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The blessed hope of the resurrection of believers.
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Jesus Christ will return to earth for a second time to establish his kingdom.
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There will be a final judgment in which the dead will be judged according to their works.
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The Lord will redeem creation through a new heaven and new earth.
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River Valley Church is part of the Assemblies of God fellowship.​
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Meet Our Team
Behind River Valley Church is a team of people who genuinely care about you. We’re here to serve our church family, support our community, and help others know Christ and make Him known.
Matthew and Heather Griffin
Lead Pastors
Matthew and Heather have served as Lead Pastors of River Valley Church since August 2024. Their heart is to equip families with every resource to make disciples, serve the community through intentional outreach, and spread the Gospel domestically and globally through missions.
Before arriving in Madison, Matthew & Heather served as Youth and Associate Pastors at Florence First Assembly of God in Florence, Alabama for 6 years and at Moffett Road Assembly in Mobile for 10 years in the same role. All in all they have served in full-time ministry together since 2006.
Matthew and Heather met at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida in 2005. They were married in October, 2007. They have been blessed with the honor (and challenge) of raising three sons! In addition to the boys, they have a mini-farm consisting of chickens, a pig, a dog, and two cats.
Peyton and Katie-Ann Newsome
Family Discipleship Pastors
Peyton and Katie-Ann serve as Family Discipleship Pastors at River Valley Church, leading Valley Kids and Valley Students and helping families grow together in their relationship with Jesus. They are passionate about partnering with parents and equipping families to make disciples in their homes and throughout everyday life.
Over the last six years, Peyton and Katie-Ann have served in ministry in a variety of different roles and areas, developing a passion for reaching the next generation and helping families take their next steps in following Jesus. They were married in March 2025 and moved to Madison in 2026, following God's leading into a new season of ministry together at River Valley Church. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve side by side and believe that ministry is one of the greatest privileges they get to share together.
Trevor and Nikki Warnix
Worship Pastors
Trevor and Nikki serve as the Worship Pastors at River Valley Church and love helping people connect with Jesus through worship and discipleship. They have a heart for creating spaces where people can encounter God, grow in their faith, and discover what it means to follow Him.
Nikki also oversees the church's media ministry, helping share the life of River Valley through various social medias and church communications.
Outside of church, they love traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family. They’re always up for good food, a good adventure and making memories with the people they love.
Danielle Jordan
Administrative Assistant
Danielle serves as the Administrative Assistant at River Valley Church, helping keep the day-to-day ministry running smoothly by supporting the pastoral team, coordinating communication, and taking care of many details behind the scenes. She loves getting to know and connect with the River Valley Church family and is thankful for the opportunity to use her gifts to support the staff and help further the vision God has for the church.
Danielle and her husband, Kyle, also love serving together with the Young Adults at River Valley. When they aren't at church, they enjoy keeping up with their two boys, Theo and Jaden, and making the most of life together as a family. Danielle considers it a blessing to call River Valley home and is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside such a wonderful church family.