"Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ." Ephesians 4:12
Steve and Bridget Pawlak -
Lead Pastors
Pastor Steve and Bridget are from the Detroit, Michigan area. They have been married since February of 1992 and have 4 children, Bethany, Brooke, Gabe and daughter-in-law Kourtney, and Elijah. They also have 6 grandchildren, Addison, Caleb, Emmie, Briella, Samson and Blaire!
Steve served in the U.S. Navy for four and half years and has worked in the energy sector in Texas. Steve and Bridget have served in various church ministries. While Steve was serving as a deacon at his church in Michigan, they felt the call of God on their lives to reach the inner-city. After moving to East Texas in 2012, Steve served as an elder and board member at their home church.
All the while, God was preparing them to be Lead Pastors to the local church. They answered God's call in October 2015 and formed Risen Life Church with multiple other families. By loving the way Jesus loves, they hope to Love, Serve and Reach the people in Longview, one heart at a time, with the compelling, simple, and unwavering message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Terry and Melissa Weese - Deacon and Children’s Kingdom Builders Coordinator
Terry was born in Clayton, NM, and Melissa was born in Dallas, TX. They have been married since February of 2008 and have 5 children between them: Steven, Michael, Samantha, BreeAnna, and Gena. Adopting Gena on December 8, 2010 has been one of the biggest blessings in Melissa's life. They have 12 grandchildren, one dog, and a cat. They have served in several areas of ministry, including: Connect Group Leaders, Children's Church, Greeting Ministry, Sidewalk Sunday School, STAND Projects, and leadership in their local church.
They share a passion for children's ministry. By growing and stretching the next generation, they hope to help each child discover God's individual call on their lives.
Allen and April Hubbard -
Deacon and Office Administrator, Men’s and Women’s SPAR Coordinators
April is originally from Bossier City, Louisiana. She moved to Kilgore, TX as a young child and has lived in East Texas since that time. She and her husband, Allen, have been married since April of 2003 and live in Liberty City, TX. They have 3 sons, Zachary, Conner, Isaac, and daughter-in-law Sadie, and 1 grandson Owen.
April's spiritual gifts are serving and administration. She has been an Office Administrator for the past 19 years. Her heart for integrity and excellence is evident in all that she does.
Allen and April run RLC’s SPAR Ministry, men’s and women’s groups are separate, open to the public every Monday night at 7pm.
Gabe and Kourtney Pawlak - Children’s Ministry Leaders
Gabe and Kourtney have been married since May of 2017 and have 3 children. They lead both our Children’s and Nursery Ministries.
Curtis and Heather Ramsey - Children’s Kingdom Builders Leaders
Heather and Curtis have been married since October of 2013 and have 3 children. They lead our Children’s Kingdom Builders Outreach that operates monthly during the summer months when school is not in session.
Rafa and Chelsey Ribeiro - Children’s Nursery Leaders
Rafa and Chelsey have been married since July of 2019 and have 5 children. They lead our nursery children through 4 years old.
Melvin and Joanna Delacerda - Prison Ministry
Melvin and Joanna have ben married since November 2024. Melvin leads our RLC Prison Ministry.