Tony Pyle

Pastor | Westside Venue Director

[email protected]

Tony leads the Westside Venue as both pastor and director, where he preaches regularly, provides pastoral care, develops leaders, and oversees ministries that serve the Westside community. He first connected with Riv in 2002, shortly after becoming a Christian in high school through a ministry called Young Life. Drawn by the free coffee (a big deal as a teenager) and the steady rhythm of biblical teaching, Riv quickly became his church home.

In his free time, Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, running long distances, reading good books, and playing board and card games—enough that friends have encouraged him to start a YouTube channel reviewing and teaching them. If you’re looking for a new game to try, he’s always up for sharing recommendations.

Tony’s favorite verse is Hebrews 10:23, which reminds him of God’s unwavering faithfulness and encourages him to confidently hold on to the hope he has in Christ. That verse shapes much of how he approaches both life and ministry.

His favorite spot in Lansing is Horrocks, where he’s often grabbing groceries or sharing pizza and gelato with his family. A few of his favorite recommendations include The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis for its insightful and convicting take on human nature, The Office for its unmatched humor, and the podcast Short History Of… for accessible deep dives into important events in world history.