Mike Atkins
Senior Pastor
For more than four decades, Mike Atkins has ministered to the body of Christ in a variety of roles—dedicated minister, insightful teacher, caring counselor, loving pastor, spiritual father, and faithful friend. “The secret to the Christian life,” he offers, “is not me living my life for Christ, but rather Christ living His life through me.”
Pastor Mike was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tenn., and came to know the Lord while a college student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. His ministry experience began at Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta, Ga., at the time one of the largest churches in North America, where he met his lovely wife of 36 years, Patty. The Lord called the couple to the pastorate in Jackson Hole, Wy., more than 20 years ago, and they have raised three daughters—Micah, Rebekah, and Sarah—in the valley of the majestic Teton Range. He is active in foreign missions and regularly travels both domestically and internationally to teach and share about the love of God with people of all ages, races, and backgrounds.
“River Crossing exists to make disciples,” Pastor Mike shares. “Our goal is not to simply entertain or create a warm, comfortable environment for people to remain where they are. Rather, we hope to stir them up to a passionate and sincere maturity in Christ—seeking to always balance our love and acceptance of people where they are with our call to challenge them to grow to new levels Christian maturity.”
With a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and graduate studies at Regent University, Pastor Mike’s in-depth understanding and application of Biblical truth has enlightened the body of Christ for decades. His DVD series “The Centrality of the Cross” has been translated into multiple languages and used by thousands of churches in North America and around the world. He has authored the books “Church of the Nations: Becoming a 1st Century Church in a 21st Century World” and “A Sound Access to the Supernatural.” In addition, his messages are shared via AsiaSat broadcasts out of Pakistan and reach more than 70 nations each week.
Regi Stone
Worship Pastor
A singer, songwriter, and classically-trained pianist, Regi Stone was born and raised in south Georgia. He attended Valdosta State College (Valdosta, Ga.) and Florida State University (Tallahassee, Fla.). He met Kim, his wife of 27 years, at a church they attended while in college. The couple eventually settled near Nashville, Tenn., where Regi worked with a great team at Discover Worship and Drama Ministry—a business he established and continues to co-own—to create and provide music and drama resources to churches all over the country.
An active minister of music for nearly 35 years, Regi and Kim moved their family—daughter Sophia (19) and son Eli (15)—to Jackson Hole in 2016, where Regi accepted the worship pastor position at River Crossing. “When Pastor Mike contacted us about the possibility of serving in ministry here, we knew it was a God thing,” he reflected. “I love the opportunity to encourage others to better understand the power of worship. Seeing people go from being simply watchers of worship to actual worshippers themselves is an incredible and satisfying experience.”
While many people are aware of Regi’s giftings in the art of music, some may not know that he also uses his creative and artistic talents to create handmade leather goods and is owner and leather maker at 307 Leather. Each of these creative outlets provides him with a chance to express his love for God. Whether working with reclaimed leather in his backyard shop or lifting his voice in praise to God behind the piano on Sunday morning, Regi has intentionally made worship a part of his daily life.
“Learning to become a worshipper all during the week. Reading the word. Spending time in prayer. These are behaviors that create an atmosphere that activates the presence of God and defeats the enemy,” he explained. “Most people go to church to worship but what would happen if we went to church with worship? It would change everything. No longer would it be just about the songs. It would be transformative because our hearts would be in the right place.”
Ray Espinoza
Young Adult Pastor
Originally from Manzanillo, Mexico, Ray Espinoza personally identifies with the story of the Prodigal Son. After attending Bible College and earning a degree in apologetics, he served in churches in Omaha and in Austin, Texas, and founded a Google Street View Trusted Agency/Virtual Reality Company.
His wife of seven years, Brittney, grew up in Jackson Hole, and in 2015, the couple felt a pull to return to her hometown. Along with their three boys—Elijah (5), Caleb, (3), and baby Josiah—the Espinozas are active in several areas of discipleship at River Crossing. In his spare time, Ray enjoys snowboarding and teaching others the craft.
Described by some as a “radical evangelist,” Ray doesn’t shy away from proclaiming what Jesus has done in his life. “When you have a real, authentic encounter with the living King of Kings, it’s impossible not to share what He’s done!” he expressed. “I’m not a radical evangelist—I’m simply a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
His prayer for the youth both at River Crossing and beyond is that once they find Christ, they would never stray from the path of righteousness. “I want them to have a testimony of love and peace and joy and hope,” he shared, “but also a recognition that they can’t do it without Jesus.”