River of Life believe in team ministry. We do not subscribe to a single pastor model of ministry. We firmly believe that elders govern the local Church under the leadership of Jesus Christ and numerous people serve the Body of Christ as pastors, caring for and ministering to the congregation.

Our Eldership team includes:
Steve and Brooke Highlander, Apostolic Ministry
Wayne and Lois Schenker, Pastoral Ministry
Terry and Mary Smith, Pastoral Ministry
James and Amanda Damon, Pastoral Ministry

Team Leaders:
Steve and Brooke Highlander came to River of life in October of 2003, when it was still Rockville Baptist Church. The River is the third church brother Highlander has served in as a Pastor/Elder. He has also done mission work in Africa and Mexico. Brooke grew up in Y.W.A.M. (Youth With A Mission), and was involved in the original King's Kids program in California. She later served with Y.W.A.M in Hawaii, then moved to Australia where she continued in an evangelistic and teaching ministry.  Besides pastoral ministry and missionary work the couple have experience in many other facets of ministry.  In the mid 1990's brother Highlander founded Door of Hope Prison Ministries. He and his team have held over 400 services inside prison walls. He produced and spoke on two popular radio programs, The Midnight Cry Radio Broadcast, a 15-minute weekly program and CrossFire Daily Devotional.  He is also a published author.  

Steve has a Doctorate in Pastoral Theology and Brooke holds a Doctorate in Scriptural Psychology. Brooke is a Certified Christian Counselor with the American Society of Christian Therapists. The couple also serve as administrators of an online Bible College www.fbccourses.com.

For several years the Highlanders ministered to "At-Risk" youth in both professional and ministerial capacities. Brooke has worked with youth in private mental health facilities and for the State of Missouri Division of Youth Services, as well as the ShowMe Challenge Program sponsored by the Missouri National Guard.  The Highlanders also served as Chaplains for a private mental health facility and for the ShowMe Challenge Program. 

Knowing the unique problems and trials that challenge ministers, the Highlanders share a call to minister to ministers.  Their ministry includes training and facilitating ministries and providing spiritual counsel and support for ministers and their families.  They also have a heart to see strong local Churches established around the world.

In 2003, after a four-month stay in Africa, brother Highlander established WorldBibleInstitute.org, a web site providing free Bible resources for Christian workers around the world.