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OUR TEAM
MICHAEL KENNEDY
Lead Pastor | Email Michael
As our Lead Pastor, Michael is mainly responsible for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word on a weekly basis. He also leads the vision of the church and is responsible for Pastoral Care. Michael is married to his wonderful wife, Janie, and they have two children – Anna and Leah. We can't forget about his Miniature Schnauzer, Abe!
Education:
BS in History – Georgia Southwestern State University
MDiv in Biblical Languages – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
DMin in Biblical & Theological Studies – Luther Rice University
Life Verse: Isaiah 40:8
Favorite Food: Bacon Cheeseburgers
Favorite Sports Team: Georgia Bulldogs
#1 Hobby: Antique/thrift hunting for mechanical watches and fountain pens
CODY PODOR
Administrative & Discipleship Pastor | codypodor@gonorthriver.org
Cody is primarily responsible for leading our staff, designing and directing our discipleship strategies, teaching and equipping leaders, and overseeing the operational elements of our church. Cody is married to his beautiful wife Katie with whom he shares the joy of raising their two kids, Asher and Everly. They also have two pups, Lilly and Otis!
Education:
BS in Ministry Leadership – Liberty University
MA in Church Planting Evangelism – Liberty University
MDiv – Faith Bible Seminary
ThM in Biblical Studies – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
PhD in Systematic Theology – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Life Verse: Psalm 16:11
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Sports Team: Cleveland Indians '95-'99
#1 Hobby: Being with people
SCOTT KERLIN
Worship Pastor | scottkerlin@gonorthriver.org
Scott's day-to-day consists of service planning, preparing the Worship Team to lead in worship, and helping with various media tasks. He is married to his college sweetheart, Meagan, and they have two kids, Addie and Gibson. Their two pups, Fraiser and Coach, light up the Kerlin household!
Education:
Church Music – Shorter College
Worship Studies - Liberty University
Life Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9a
Favorite Food: Mexican Food
Favorite Sports Team: Atlanta Braves
#1 Hobby: All things baseball
CHRIS SEAGER
Student Pastor | chrisseager@gonorthriver.org
Chris oversees the Student Ministry at North River with the aim of leading students to grow in their love, knowledge, and obedience to Jesus Christ. Chris is married to his lovely wife, Haley, and they have three kiddos – Blakely, Brooks, and Briggs – as well as a pug named Khloe.
Education:
BA in Construction Management – Western Carolina University
MA in Christian Studies – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Life Verse: Romans 12:1
Favorite Food: Chicken Wings
Favorite Sports Team: New York Yankees
#1 Hobby: Deer Hunting
LAUREN THIERS
Children's Director | laurenthiers@gonorthriver.org
As our Children's Director, Lauren's day-to-day typically involves preparing curriculum, as well as overseeing all of our kid's programs. She coordinates all of our team leads and volunteers for Sunday. Lauren is married to her college sweetheart, Brian, and they have three children – Olivia, Jacob, and Addison. The Thiers family has a loveable chocolate lab named Lady.
Education:
BS in Elementary Education - University of South Florida
MA in Reading Education - University of South Florida
Life Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Sports Team: Sports? Go sports!
#1 Hobby: Cheering for my teenagers at their sports and activities
EMILY STUBLER
Communications & Connections Coordinator | emilystubler@gonorthriver.org
Emily is responsible for all things communication at North River. She handles the coordination of announcements, creates all digital graphics and print material, runs the website, and manages NR social media accounts. Emily has been married to her handsome husband, Tyler, since 2020. They have one daughter, Savannah, and a crazy golden retriever named Kona.
Education:
BA in Mass Communications & Media – Arizona State University
Certificate in Bible & Ministry – Calvary Chapel Bible College
Life Verse: Psalm 46:5
Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese, Chick-fil-a, Pub Subs... you can't make me decide on just one!
Favorite Sports Team: Kansas City Chiefs (since before it was cool to be a Chief's fan – I'm not a bandwagoner.)
#1 Hobby: Perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe. Or anything entrepreneurship!
JANET BANKS
Ministry Assistant | nrc@gonorthriver.org
Janet loves utilizing her multi-tasking skills in the role of Ministry Assistant as she fulfills the admin needs of the church office and pastors. (She affectionately describes her role as "other duties as assigned.") Janet and her husband, John live in West Bradenton and they have two adult children, Daniel, Jonathan, and their daughter in law, Julia. Kenny the dog and Stella the Cat live in the Banks household and enjoy having all the attention!
Education:
BS in Education – Bloomsburg State College
MS in Speech Pathology – Bloomsburg University
Life Verse: 1 Peter 5:6-7
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Sports Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
#1 Hobby: Restoring and collecting vintage fountain pens
MICHAEL KELLY
Facilities Assistant | michaelkelly@gonorthriver.org
Mike's day-to-day at North River often looks like taking care of building maintenance, as well as setting up for ministry or community events on the church grounds. Mike and his wife, Carla, have one daughter named Mikayla and cat named Coal. Together, Mike and Carla enjoy taking care of their chickens and cattle!
Life Verse: Colossians 3:23-25
Favorite Food: Hamburgers and Steaks
Favorite Sports Team: I always root for the rodeo clowns.
#1 Hobby: History, Shooting, Archery, Camping & Motorcycle Riding
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NICOLETTE JESSUP
Student Ministry Intern | nicolettejessup@gonorthriver.org
Nicolette serves as the Student Ministry Intern at North River. Her day consists of assisting Pastor Chris, writing small-group material, and so much more! Every day is different for her, depending on what's happening at Youth Group that week. Nicolette received her Bible Diploma at Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, and she's currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Ministry from Liberty University. Nicolette has a dog, a turtle, and three fish!
Life Verse: Romans 8:18
Favorite Food: Greek Food
Favorite Sports Team: I don't follow sports, so my favorite is whoever wins.
#1 Hobby: I love all things summer camp, trying new local coffee shops and thrifting!!