Derek Olson- Senior Pastor

I grew up on the east-side of Portland, OR. While I didn't necessarily grow up in a solid Christian home, the Lord was pleased to sow the seeds of the gospel through people like my mom, grandma, and friends. In my later teenage years, the Lord was gracious to draw me to Himself and ignite a desire to follow and serve Him all my days. After sensing a call to ministry, I attended and graduated from Multnomah Bible College/University. I've spent time serving as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and as a senior pastor for the last seven years. I love the Bible and have a passion to boldly and lovingly preach the whole counsel of God's Word. I've been married to my wonderful wife, Sarah, for 16 years and together we enjoy our five children (Hannah, Nathanael, Bethany, Drew, & Eli). If you have any questions about God, River Ridge Church, or anything else you can contact me at derek@riverridgekato.org or at the church phone 507-345-7451.

David Anderson - youth pastor

My origins are in Bemidji, MN where I met my wife (Rachel) in tenth grade. The Lord led us both together out of a life of rebellion and denial of him. He awakened and renewed our hearts to believe the gospel so that we now desire to serve and love him and others in all we do.  God led us to Flagstaff, AZ at a young age where we started to grow our family (Sophia, Charles, Olivia, Eliza & Emmaline). After ten years we moved back to Minnesota and joined River Ridge Church. I have served here in many capacities including being on the elder board and the mission team and more recently the Interim Director of Youth and Family. I have obtained a graduate ministry certificate through Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) and I am currently taking classes through Oakhill’s Christian College.

The Lord is calling our family to missions on the Red Lake Indian reservation in Northern MN where we plan to help revitalize two churches by late summer of 2025. As I serve as Interim Director of Youth and Family at River Ridge Church I am also working alongside Center for Indian Ministries (CIM) and EFC Reachnetwork team (Churches multiplying churches) who are helping prepare and train us for Native American ministry and church revitalization.

If you have any questions regarding the youth and family of River Ridge Church or our family's ministry plans, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at youth@riverridgekato.org. 

Caitlyn hutzel-Administrative assistant

Caitlyn is in her third year as the Office Administrator at River Ridge. She and her husband, Nathan, have 3 children, Emmary, Jolie & Jensen. Caitlyn grew up in Madelia, MN and attended college at the University of Northwestern in Roseville, MN. There she majored in Criminal Justice with a minor in Biblical Studies. Caitlyn has worked both in the professional field as a legal assistant and in the mission field as a Teaching Parent at a Christian group home in Western Maryland. Out of the office, Caitlyn enjoys spending time with her family and of course, iced coffee.