Staff
Jonathan Tagg, Pastor
Jonathan Tagg has been in full time ministry since 1989, Pastoring in Pittsburgh, Florida and Colorado. In 2003 Jonathan and Robin moved to NC where he worked with The Navigators on their 20something National Leadership Team. A desire to do ministry in a different way led the Taggs to purchase and manage a restaurant until the fall of 2008, when they accepted a call to lead The River. Jonathan is currently finishing his doctorate while being husband and father to five. He loves sports, the outdoors and hanging out with Robin and the kids. [Email Jonathan]
Jim Sallie, Lay Pastor
Jim Sallie made the NRV his home upon marriage to bride Becci (High School sweetheart) in 1987, then operated his own business with locations in Blacksburg, Christiansburg and Salem. For Jim, the relationships established with people was his greatest reward in business. Jim serves as Lay Pastor at The River while attending (part time) Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC and he is an ordinand for the diaconate in the Anglican Church. Jim and Becci reside in Blacksburg with their three children, Elizabeth, Katie and J.L. [Email Jim]
Bill McCarthy, Worship Leader
Bill McCarthy has been involved in leading worship for 20 years, and he loves to encourage and join with God’s people in celebrating the presence of Jesus. Drawing from contemporary worship-music influences such as: Vineyard, Matt Redman, Robin Mark, Chris Tomlin, Paul Baloche, Sovereign Grace Ministries, and Hillsong, Bill is influenced by the old as well as new. His family includes his magnificently supportive wife of 21 years, Cheryl, along with their five ever-active kids, ranging from eleven to two years. [Email Bill]
Todd Murden, Student Ministry
For the past 8 years, Todd has been involved in Young Life, reaching middle and high school students. During his time at Virginia Tech he was a volunteer leader at a local high school, functioning as team leader his last 2 years. It is through this ministry that he learned what relational ministry was all about. Upon graduating from Virginia Tech, in May 2009, he stayed in Blacksburg and took an intern/student ministries position with CHS The River. He enjoys being with people, digging into a good book, and pretty much anything outdoors. [Email Todd]
AJ Keefer, Intern
During his time as a student at Virginia Tech, Arthur has been involved with a variety of ministries, including serving in Washington, DC as a middle-school youth counselor and leading mission trips with the Center for Student Missions. Upon graduating from college, he remained in Blacksburg, VA as an intern with The River. Through study and ministry experience, the Lord is clarifying his gifts and future plans. Arthur enjoys food, books and quality conversation. [Email Arthur]
other ministries
In addition to our staff, we have several other individuals who lead significant ministries :
Prayer
Children’s Ministry
Nursery
Robin Tagg
High School Ministry
Leadership Team
Charly Tull, David Maranz, Gray Roberson, Jim Sallie, Jonathan Tagg