Pastoral Staff

Dr. Jim H. Savage

Senior Pastor
205-397-3013
jim@riverchaseumc.org

Jim, Sherri, Wes, and Cassi moved to Riverchase in June of 1998, and have been in the ministry since June of 1976. Jim received his Masters of Divinity from Emory University and Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller University with an emphasis in Church Growth. After receiving her Ph. D., Sherri left her position at Livingston University, and is now Director of Guidance and Assessment for Jefferson County Schools. Jim has served on many Conference boards, and has received several awards in the area of church growth since entering the ministry.

Rev. John M. Ray

John has served at Riverchase with his wife, Karen, since June of 2000. In addition to worship leadership, John also enjoys pastoral care and hospital visitation. John is responsible for Adult Education, Missions, and Outreach. He is a popular Disciple and Sunday school teacher, and also leads adult teacher training. All mission teams, disaster response teams, and outreach programs come under his ministry, including the Russian orphanage, Jamaica, Hope Community Center in Kenya, the Hispanic ministry, and a myriad of other local mission projects. 

Dr. Bill Phares

Bill has served churches in our conference since 1977. His previous ministry before coming to Riverchase was hospice chaplaincy.  Bill and his wife, Laura, are from Bessemer. In 1980-’82 they ministered behind the Iron Curtain with Living Sound Intl. Bill’s passion is evangelism and strengthening pastors and laity who are experiencing a “wilderness experience.” He is the author of For Those in Dry Places. Bill received his Masters of Divinity from Emory University and Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary with an emphasis in developing young adult leadership in the Church.