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Pastors
Paul DenHerder
What do you do here at Riv?
My main responsibilities are Life Groups, overseeing several ministries, and counseling and pastoral care.
Family info?
My wife, Ann, and I have been married almost thirty-four years. We have four kids: Jesse (wife Tara and fourteen-month-old son Jonah); Bethany Scholten (husband Shannon and kids Nate and Joelle); Kristen Mason (husband Jeremy); and John. We go camping as a family every Memorial Day and Labor Day. My dad passed away six years ago and my mom is eighty-seven years old. Older sister (Karen) and brother (Jerry).
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on a farm in NW Iowa in a small farming community. I raised beef cattle with my dad. I attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and studied animal science.
What's your Riv story?
I moved to EL in 1977 as part of the campus church plant at MSU. Came on pastoral staff full-time in 1988 when I closed down my remodeling business.
How did you learn about Jesus? I grew up in a great family with a churched background. I heard a lot about Jesus and God growing up, but personally believed in Jesus in 1973 as a freshman at college. A friend of mine challenged me to investigate the resurrection of Christ and to become a committed Christ-follower if I found evidence and basis for faith in Christ . . . which I did. I realized that if Jesus died for me, I owed him my life and all I had.
What is something we don't know about you?
I enjoy modern country music, especially bluegrass. I also enjoy listening to “Celtic Women” perform on PBS. Believe it or not, I can enjoy a good ballet performance (thanks to my oldest daughter)!
Favorite book?
Apart from the Bible, it would have to be The Barbarian Way, by Erwin McManus.
Aside from pastor, what are some other jobs you've had in the past?
I had my own remodeling company where I did additions, remodels, and cabinet making. As a kid in high school, I baled a heck of a lot of hay every summer. I did maintenance in a JC Penney store during college.
Who are some people that have inspired you?
An older friend of mine who passed away several years ago. Even as he grew older he still enjoyed life and refused to become stuffy and resistant to change. His passion for life and God grew (not diminished) as he got older. He was a real guy, not afraid to let you see who he really was, all the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m also inspired by those who make the hard and difficult Godly choices in life, and do what is right even they don’t feel like it or it doesn’t make human sense. Also, followers of Christ who sacrifice for others, not to be seen and recognized, but because they love God.
Hobbies?
Waterfowl hunting and canoeing/camping in the bush of Canada. Reading books about the Vietnam war era. I also enjoy woodworking and doing Sudoko number puzzles.
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I’d like to be able to reach into the minds and hearts of people and change how they think and reason, and ultimately how they live and make choices.
What makes you smile?
A good subtle joke. Seeing peoples’ reaction when spiritual truth becomes that “ah-ha moment.” Watching my grandson walking and growing. Seeing my kids (as young adults) growing up and maturing and learning life’s lessons for themselves.
What are some things that you hope to happen in or through Riv?
To see every person who calls Riverview their home have friends and relationships of which they can honestly say “I do life with these people.” That Riv would continue to become a safe haven for people to heal and grow spiritually and also a place that equips people to go out and influence others through their lives. Lastly, that Riverview people would grow in spiritual discernment and grow in making decisions for their lives Biblically.
How do you take your coffee?
Sugar-free hazelnut decaf soy latte, no foam.
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