Pastor Arnold & Jana Allison | Lead Pastor
Pastor Arnold Allison has been serving as our Lead Pastor since August 2018. His vision for Riverside is to see "Changed Lives, Change Lives," a passion he brings into his deep biblical teaching and leadership style. There is no limit to what God can do through the power of the Holy Spirit that is first changing our own lives! Originally from Austria, he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees together with his lovely wife Jana from the University of Wales and additionally completed a degree in psychosocial counseling in Vienna. He and his wife have three fantastic children, Liam, Helen, and Kristine.
Pastor Jim Rogers | Connections Pastor
Pastor Jim grew up in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia, PA. He has a deep love for the Ocean, Philly sports teams, Cheesesteaks, East Coast Pizza, Ice Cream, and good Italian food. Pastor Jim moved to Hutchinson, MN in the fall of 1999 to work at a church in Youth Ministry. He spent 20 years investing in the lives of teenagers both in the church and parachurch ministry. Pastor Jim learned that loving people well and earning the right to be heard comes out of a relationship. Pastor Jim was brought on staff in January 2019, to help people connect, provide opportunities to grow in Christ, and in turn go out and reach a hurting and broken world. In 2002, Jim and Megan got married. They have three energetic children; Anna, Dominic, and Hadley.
Pastor Kagen & Mackenzie Larsen | Youth Pastor
Pastor Kagen and Mackenzie joined Riverside staff in March of 2015. They serve together in our CURRENT YOUTH Ministry. Their passion is to see students come to know Jesus Christ, find their giftings, and equip them to become leaders. CURRENT YOUTH is a safe place where students can feel they belong and are important. Pastor Kagen enjoys playing many instruments, singing, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Pastor Kagen and Mackenzie married in 2010 and now have three young active boys, Camden, Easton, and Jackson.
Whitney Nesse | Interim Children’s Director
Whitney Nesse came on as the interim children's director in August 2018. Her desire is to encourage kids in their own faith journey and to see them grow in their relationship with Christ as they learn to love others in a Christlike manner. She wants to see kids firmly grounded in their identity as chosen children of the King. Whitney and her husband Karl have five children of their own ages 9, 7, 6, 4, and 2. They enjoy working on their farm, raising cattle, and adventuring in the great outdoors.
Jesse Utecht | Worship Leader
Jesse Utecht is the Worship leader here at Riverside Church. He married the love of his life, Jaselyn and together they have 4 beautiful kids, who were each dedicated at Riverside. Little did he know after all the amazing years of engaging in corporate worship from the congregation side of it, God had other plans for him. Jesse has now been leading here since 2017. Jesse leads with great passion and energy and has put together and leads an amazing worship team of many talented individuals in what we were created to do...”Worship Him!” -- Matthew 22:37-39
Steve Rahkola | Media & Communications
Steve has been with Riverside since January 2018. Steve and his wife Becca moved to Hutchinson in 2018 after becoming apart of Riverside. Steve enjoys almost anything to do with media, technology, and communications. He works with many ministries in creating new and creative ways to communicate their message to both the church and to the communities surrounding Riverside. Steve also enjoys being outdoors, photography, video production, board games, video games and spending time with friends and family.