Michael Teller  

Discipleship Pastor

michael@theriverchurch.us

1. How long have you been a part of The River?

I’ve been at The River since 2018.

2. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Greenwood, Indiana and went to college at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. I came here to complete a residency as part of my masters program and ended up sticking around. 

3. What does your position entail?

My job is to oversee the discipleship environments and practices here at The River. In other words, I make sure that our church is pursuing spiritual growth consistently and that we are together becoming disciples of Jesus.

Part of this is organizing and supporting Life Groups and Rooted groups, but I also run our Guest Services team, organize service opportunities, engage community leaders, and teach and preach in various roles. 

4. What do you love most about The River?

The thing I love most about The River is that it’s a place where authenticity and spiritual growth are in agreement. We know we are ordinary, everyday people, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to live like Jesus everyday. 

5. What do you like to do during your free time?

In my free time I am a singer/songwriter and an avid rock climber. You can find me tracking songs in the studio or hanging off the side of a cliff. But I also enjoy just a good movie 

6. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

People might be surprised to know that I have always been afraid of heights. Not sure how I got into rock climbing, my family was very shocked. 

7. What is your favorite scripture?

My favorite scripture is Psalm 27. Particularly verses 1-4 which say: 
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to devour me,
    when my enemies and foes attack me,
    they will stumble and fall.

Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.