Meet the River of Life Team
Our team works hard throughout the week to build powerful sermon series, tend to the spiritual growth of our kids and youth, and keep all aspects of the church running.
Learn a bit more about the team below, feel free to reach out at any time!
Steve Painter – Pastor
Pastorsteve@rolumc.com
Steve Painter joined River of Life in 2022 after serving as the Pastor at San Marco UMC for 8 years. Pastor Steve uses his relationship with the congregation to preach sermon series that meet the needs of our community. Steve’s focus continues to be on how we can all better live God’s love and open our arms to those in need.
Kayla Hull – Director of Children & Youth
Children@rolumc.com
Kayla Hull joined the River of Life team in early 2024. With a background in outdoor and experiential education, her lessons and series revolve around how we can be better servants of the Lord and how we can love ourselves the way God loves us. Her love for kids and youth helps drive the groups and activities in a loving direction to help them grow spiritually.
Amy Bacon – Office Administrator
Office@rolumc.com
Amy Bacon joined the River of Life team in 2022. Each day Amy works behind the scenes to support and love the church by helping to keep everything moving smoothly. As the office administrator, Amy works with staff and volunteers to communicate with the congregation, cover all our administrative needs, and be the smiling face you see when you visit us during the week!
Maddie Harding – Worship Leader
Maddie is thrilled to join the River of Life family as Worship Pastor. Raised in Hixson, Tennessee, she discovered her passion for music at an early age, eventually earning a degree in Church Music from Carson-Newman University before serving as Minister of Music at North Jacksonville Church of God. Rooted in the spirit of Mark 12:30–31, her ministry philosophy centers on loving God fully, honoring every person as created in His image, and helping worshippers experience the depth of Christlike love. Outside of ministry, she enjoys singing with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and staying close with her family back home. As she steps into her new role, Maddie’s ultimate hope is to empower the congregation to share God’s love throughout the surrounding St. Johns community.