Hugh Orr: Lead Pastor/Elder
Hugh Orr is the Lead Pastor and church planter for Riverside Church. Hugh is married to Pam and together they have five adult children and six grandchildren. Hugh served twenty years in the United States Air Force and he and Pam have lived in Idaho for over twenty years. Hugh is a graduate of Liberty University and earned a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
His theological positions have been influenced by many of the theologians from the Reformation era, but ultimately the word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ are the bedrock upon which his faith and teaching ministry are built.
Rusty Boccaleoni: Pastor/Elder
Rusty and his wife Krista moved to Idaho with their three children in 2018. He and his wife hold a reformed view of theology. Rusty has been greatly influenced by both historical and contemporary biblical scholars such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Steven Lawson, and John MacArthur. Rusty studied criminology and biology before spending a career in law enforcement. He currently works at a troubled youth camp for teens as the Boys Dormitory Director. He enjoys the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, but his first love is for the Lord.
Curt Christensen: Pastor/Elder
Curt Christensen and his wife Wendy moved to Idaho from Montana in the late 90’s. They came to Emmett in 2008 where they have been raising their 10 children. The Lord drew Curt and Wendy’s hearts to serve their community and the best way to do that was supporting their local church—Riverside Church. “Our lives were changed by God many years ago and we are so grateful He did this amazing work in our lives. We owe it all to Him—all Glory to God”.
Matt Suess: Pastor/Elder
Matt and his wife, Dana, moved to Emmett in 2021 after 32 years in the U.S. Navy. They were drawn to Idaho’s outdoor opportunities and Emmett’s small-town community. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. Matt is an engineer, currently employed by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission.
Matt and Dana have been involved in numerous churches throughout their time in the Navy, and they are thrilled to be part of Riverside Church. Their heart is to be part of a church filled with mature, committed Christ-followers who encourage each other and reach out to help the community around them.
Mark Duenas: Deacon
Mark and Amy have been married for over 30 years and lived most of their married years in Meridian, Idaho. They moved to Emmett in 2021 and settled on a piece of land to acquire and raise various animals. They are parents to 11 children ranging from 4 to 30 years old and currently have six grandchildren.
Mark was introduced to biblical theology in 2009 when they began attending a Bible church in Meridian. As believers, learning about God through the study of His word is needed for growth and the renewal of one’s mind. Mark and Amy are thankful for God’s saving grace and for the blessing of knowing Him. They are both thankful to have joined the wonderful community of Emmett and being in His service at Riverside Church!
Wayne Switzer: Deacon
Wayne and his wife Desma of 41 years have two children and six grandchildren. They moved to Emmett in 2018, where they purchased a small farm and raise Jersey cattle. Since coming to the Doctrines of Grace in 1991, they have seen God’s mercy, grace, and providence throughout their marriage. Joining Riverside Church has been a blessing.