Our Leadership

We are an evangelical Christian congregation. Our government is based on the New Testament model. We are affiliated with Alliance International Ministries, a family of ministers and congregations, who are served by the gift ministries of Ephesians 4:11. For more information, go to AIMTeam.org


Randy Vruggink, Senior Pastor

Randy Vruggink, Senior PastorRandy and Sheri were married in 1977. They have four married daughters, six grandsons and three granddaughters.

Sheri works one day a week as a dental hygienist. She is an ordained pastor credentialed with AIM. She leads Wednesday nights Kid's Club for K - 4th grade and leads the Wednesday morning Bible study for ladies.

Randy is the founding pastor of River of God Church which started in 1999. He has had a passion for the local church since 1972 when he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He has served the church in many capacities including nursery director, deacon, elder, and home group leader.

Randy worked for twenty years selling office supplies before taking on the role of senior pastor. Randy did not pursue higher education until after his daughters completed their schooling at which time he enrolled at Cornerstone University. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree of Science in 2010 and a Master's Degree in Ministry Leadership in 2016.

Pastoring the local church is Randy's true passion and delight. He is also thankful for the opportunities he has had to minister in several countries including France, Bulgaria, Germany, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Ecuador. 

Since 2010, Randy and Sheri have traveled together multiple times to Ecuador teaching, "The Blessed Family Semimar" reaching thousands of people throughout the country. 

Randy has also served since 2008 as president of BAMA (Byron Area Ministers Association). This gathering of pastors meets together weekly for prayer, and monthly for fellowship, testimonies and prayer.

Randy serves on the board of directors for Vital Connections, a ministry serving church leaders, orphans and practical needs of the people in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Randy serves as part of the  North America coordinating team of Alliance International Ministires along with John Dean, Terry King and John Guido. Randy and Sheri have ministered at several AIM events across the USA.


Julie Braun, Associate Pastor

Associate Pastor

Marty and Julie have been married for 39 years and have 3 children, justin, Amy, and Seth, and 5 perfect grandchildren. Marty is currently employed by Chemical Bank as assistant Vice President of the helps-op dept. in Byron Center, and serves as an elder at ROG. 
Julie is the associate pastor of ROG, overseeing outreach. She serves on the board of United in Christ Ministries, an urban ministry connecting kids to Christ and local churches,  and works primarily with the youth, directing summer camps, retreats, and mission trips. 
Marty and Julie founded a ministry targeted at raising up a generation of young people who are passionate lovers of Jesus with a passion for reaching the inner city, called Diamonds in the Rough. Together with these youth and other adult volunteers, they minister at KIDSZONE, a midweek Bible program on Wednesday nights. 

Elders

  • Marty Braun
  • Jeff Davis
  • Jae Ruark
  • Chad Stoike
  • Randy Vruggink (lead elder)
  • Joel Walma

DEACONS

  • Adam Barron
  • Jeff Beyer
  • Rick Navis
  • Josh Nelson
  • Carl Norg
  • Jim Schutte
  • Andy Syren
  • Travis Quitiquit