Elders
Meet our leaders
The congregation is currently led by eleven very capable elders. These men are shepherds of this congregation whose primary interest is the souls of the membership.
Don Bowen
ELDER
Don Bowen has served as an elder at Riverchase since 1991 after serving as deacon since 1980. He and his wife, Joyce, were part of the original group that came from the Central Church of Christ and started the Riverchase Church of Christ in November of 1979.
Don graduated from David Lipscomb University in 1971 with a degree in chemistry and is now retired from the UAB Department of Pathology. Don and Joyce have three sons, three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren, all living in Nashville.
Adam Creel
ELDER
Adam Creel has served as an elder at Riverchase since 2010. He and his wife Alisa, along with their twin daughters, began attending Riverchase in 1998 when they first relocated to the Birmingham area from Montgomery. Adam currently serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Drummond Company.
Adam and Alisa met in high school where they became best friends and have remained so since that time. Alisa is a retired math teacher from Pelham High School. Adam and Alisa’s daughters, Carol and Crystal, are both married. They are blessed to have 7 grandchildren. In his spare time, Adam enjoys flying and shooting sports.
David Driskell
ELDER
David Driskell and his wife Mary and their two children began attending Riverchase in 2009. David has served as an elder since 2021. He graduated from Harding University with a degree in computer information systems and also has an MBA from Samford University. David is now retired after serving as an IT Director at AT&T. David and Mary have two children that are both married with kids. In his spare time, David enjoys woodworking and water sports.
Paul Dyer
ELDER
Paul Dyer has served as an elder at Riverchase since 2026. He and his wife, Kate, have been members of the Riverchase Church of Christ since 2006. Prior to becoming an elder, Paul served for several years as a deacon in the youth ministry and most recently as a deacon in the community outreach ministry.
Paul attended Auburn University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction. He has spent most of his career working as an estimator in the construction industry.
Paul and Kate have three children.
Greg Harper
ELDER
Greg Harper has served as an elder at Riverchase since 2026. He and his wife, Charman, have been members of the Riverchase Church of Christ since 2000. Over the years, Greg has served in a variety of roles, including teaching and other areas of ministry and service within the congregation.
Greg graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree and earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has nearly 40 years of experience in healthcare finance and analytics.
Greg and Charman met in college and have been married since 1985. They have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and two grandsons. In his spare time, Greg enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and staying active outdoors.
Bryan Parker
ELDER
Bryan Parker began serving as an elder in 2022 after serving as a deacon for several years prior. He and his wife Pat, along with their children Bryan Lee and Bethany, began attending Riverchase in 1998. Bryan graduated from Ferris State University in 1979. Bryan currently owns a CPA firm in Pelham. Pat is his administrative assistant. Bryan and Pat’s children along with their spouses and children live in the Birmingham area and also attend Riverchase. Bryan enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, vegetable gardening, participating in sports, exercising and hunting.
Paul Sanford
ELDER
Paul Sanford has served as an elder at Riverchase since 2026. He and his wife, Donya, along with their four children, began attending the Riverchase Church of Christ in 1998. Prior to becoming an elder, Paul served as a deacon over the Community Involvement Ministry.
Paul graduated from the University of Alabama and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He has served as Chief Financial Officer of The Barber Companies for nearly 30 years. Donya is a retired pharmacist.
Paul and Donya met in high school and have been married for more than 40 years. They have four children, two grandchildren, with more grandchildren on the way. In their spare time, they enjoy camping and spending time outdoors.
Keith Strickland
ELDER
Keith Strickland and his wife Donna have been attending Riverchase since 2002. Keith has been an elder since 2022. Prior to becoming that, he served several years as a Children’s Deacon and then a Youth Deacon. Keith attended Auburn University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He currently works as a consulting engineer with Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC. Keith and Donna have two daughters, Keely and Erica.
Matt Thompson
ELDER
Matt Thompson has served as an elder at Riverchase since 2026. He and his wife, Paige, have been members of the Riverchase Church of Christ since 2006. Prior to becoming an elder, Matt served for many years as a youth deacon.
Matt earned his undergraduate degree from Harding University and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He is a neuropsychologist at Children's of Alabama and also serves on the Board of Directors of Family Life Missions.
Matt and Paige have three daughters, all of whom are married and live in Nashville, Tennessee, and one grandson. In his spare time, Matt enjoys mountain biking and fishing.
Frank Wampol
ELDER
Frank and Pam Wampol placed membership at Riverchase in 2002. Frank began serving as an Elder in 2010. They previously worshiped at the Center Point and Roebuck Parkway congregations in Alabama where Frank served as a deacon for 12 years. Coming from a denominational background, Frank was baptized into Christ in 1987. He regularly teaches Bible classes and has a passion for evangelism having participated in many mission campaigns. Professionally, Frank completed the EMT Paramedic program at UAB prior to serving a 25-year career as a Firefighter / Paramedic. He graduated from Columbia Southern University with a B.S. in Occupational Safety & Health, Georgia Tech with an advanced certificate in Occupational Safety & Health, and Harvard University with a certificate in Industrial Hygiene. His second career was with B.L.Harbert International as the Vice President of Safety & Health.
Frank and Pam met in 1981, were married in 1983. They have three adult daughters; all three daughters are married. Frank and Pam now are blessed to enjoy multiple grandchildren.
Nathan Whitaker
ELDER
Nathan and Michelle Whitaker have been members of the Riverchase family since 2004. Nathan has been an elder since 2022. Prior to that, he served as a deacon in our education department for 14 years. Nathan and Michelle have been married for 33 years and have three children and two grandchildren. In their spare time, Nathan and Michelle enjoy glamping.
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
1 Timothy 5:17