Pastors Dan and Dianne Coflin were married in 1973 and began serving the Lord in full time ministry in 1977. After 22 years of ministry as associate pastors they were instructed by the Lord to leave the church family they had served to step out into a new place God promised to show them. After 9 months of teaching and preaching in the Tampa Bay area they became the senior pastors of River of Life Church in Lutz, Florida in April of 2000. Both pastors have studied, graduated and taught in various colleges and seminaries and each hold doctorate degrees in pastoral ministry and theology. Pastors Dan and Dianne feel called to serve the body of Christ here at River of Life Church and abroad. Their greatest desire is to partner with the Holy Spirit to equip the church through powerful teaching of the word of God, flowing in the gifts of the Spirit, dynamic prophetic worship and seeing people touched by the power of God. In addition they have felt an international call to teach, serve and encourage missionaries and have preached in Switzerland, Turkey, Romania, Slovakia and other international regions.
Our Pastors love to have fun! They enjoy cruises, golfing, movies and trying new restaurants (Pastor Dianne does not enjoy cooking- even though she's actually quite a good cook). They love spending time with their family, kids, grandkids and grandogs!!
Pastors Justin and Amy Peterson have been in ministry for 27 years in the North Tampa area. Justin earned his M.A. in Theology and Bachelor of Music Ministry from Life Christian University. Amy earned her Bachelor of Theology also from Life Christian University. He serves as the administrative Pastor for River of Life and as one of the worship leaders. Amy is the church office manager and is one of the Ladies' ministry leaders.
They live in the Odessa area with their two adult children (Kaeli and Eli) and one fat dog (Rolly). Amy enjoys the beach, acrylic pour painting, and loves her Jeep! Justin enjoys keeping his wife happy by constantly fixing her Jeep. He also enjoys fishing and golfing, even though he is not very good at either.
Candido and Brandi Perez are both certified elementary teachers and have worked with children since they were both radically changed by the Lord Jesus over 22 years ago. They are best friends and enjoy doing things together such as running, walking, cooking, doing activities with their children, and just being together as a family. They have 2 children, Kennedi and Lincoln, who are the biggest blessings of their lives.
Candido and Brandi Perez are excited to be working with the children and youth at River of Life. They have witnessed God's mighty hand in their personal lives and want to share the goodness of God with the youth/children of River of Life. They enjoy ministering as a family with the children/youth with worship dance, flags, blacklight performances, Christmas plays, and anything else that brings children/youth closer to God and each other.
Aixa was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she graduated from a Christian school. It was there that she learned about the true love of God. She taught Sunday School at her local church in Puerto Rico and was part of a Dance Ministry that traveled locally, ministering through the art of dance. Aixa had the opportunity to travel to Venezuela and Costa Rica as a missionary to teach the love of Christ to kids in these countries. She earned a Bachelors from Universidad Sagrado Corazón in 2009. She leads the Food Pantry Ministry and also helps lead the Ladies’ Ministry. Aixa moved to Tampa in 2011 with her husband and two children- a teenage boy and a bubbly 8 year old girl. She enjoys being a stay-at-home mom, which gives her time to serve the Lord and to serve others. No one at the church had any idea that she was a dancer until she gave us this bio. Hopefully, we will get to see her dance soon.
Pete and Carla have been married for 29 years and have 3 children, Jennifer, Bryce and Isabella (Bella).
They both have a heart to serve the Lord and those around them. They have facilitated numerous marriage and Bible studies for the last 20 years.
Pete enjoys fishing, hiking and pretty much any and all outdoor sports. Carla enjoys hiking, restoring furniture and going to the beach.
Pete is an employee at The Florida Aquarium and Carla is a certified Life Coach.
Roy is recently retired after 41 years of service as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, He is now looking forward to his next career in Ministry work as he believes GOD has called him to serve the adult singles ministry at River of Life Church. He has earned his Associates degree in Theology and is now looking to resume his studies towards a Bachelors degree in Theology, and then a Masters degree in Pastoral Ministry.
Roy is the Director of the Singles in Christ Ministry, serving alongside his trusted advisors, Ruth Byther and Dean Eshelman to foster fellowship opportunities for the group.
In his spare time, Roy enjoys cooking, nature walks, and bowling.
Willis grew up in New York. He is the guy that no church can function without. His job duties include painting, maintenance, set-up, tear-down, drumming, comedy routines and he polishes a mean floor. He holds a PhD in taking good care of his church.
