Pastor Sandi Stewart
Lead Pastor
Pastor Sandi Stewart is the Lead Pastor at the River Church of Panama City. She is a revivalist and goes after the glory of God. She has been known to be real and doesn’t feel the need to hide anything. She loves to love on everyone especially those that feel they are not lovable. .
She was born in Panama City, FL. She was married to Sammy Stewart who went to be with the Lord in 2018. He was the Founder, Apostle, and Lead Pastor of Straightway Ministries in Panama City. Since then the Lord has lead her to change the name of the church to River Church of Panama City.
The church uses Ezekiel 47:9 (And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.)
She believes that we need to seek for revival and go after the lost more than ever. She wants to see the glory of God move in ways that we have not seen before and that it is time for the church to activate and begin to operate outside of the 4 walls that has bound it for so many years.
She was born in Panama City, FL. She was married to Sammy Stewart who went to be with the Lord in 2018. He was the Founder, Apostle, and Lead Pastor of Straightway Ministries in Panama City. Since then the Lord has lead her to change the name of the church to River Church of Panama City.
The church uses Ezekiel 47:9 (And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.)
She believes that we need to seek for revival and go after the lost more than ever. She wants to see the glory of God move in ways that we have not seen before and that it is time for the church to activate and begin to operate outside of the 4 walls that has bound it for so many years.
Tina Kennon
Administrative Pastor
Tina has been a part of our church since the first service in 1991. That service is often described as taking place in Pastors’ Sammy and Sandi Stewart’s living room with an old, out of tune piano. Tina can testify this to be 100% true as she was the piano player! She remembers the excitement of the early years as the church was being established and loves seeing how God has used and shaped the ministry over the years. And though Tina is thrilled with the piano and technology upgrades since those early days, she never wants to lose the excitement and focus of those early years when caring for one another and sharing the simplicity of the Gospel with all people regardless of their history, status, or appearance was the focus! She has “grown up” with the church and over the course of 26 years, she has served in a variety of ministry areas including praise and worship, children’s pastor, and youth ministry. As admin pastor, her focus is assisting the Pastor and all ministry leaders and volunteers in effectively serving the needs of our church members and community.
Melissa Bullington
Worship Pastor
Melissa Bullington is a passionate Worship Pastor with over 20 years of experience leading others into meaningful encounters with God through worship. With a genuine heart for ministry and a deep love for God’s presence, she desires to create an atmosphere where people can encounter Jesus in authentic, powerful, and life-changing ways.
Melissa leads with humility and a strong emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and spiritual growth. Whether through contemporary worship or timeless hymns, her heart is to lead people beyond simply singing songs and into genuine personal and corporate worship that draws them closer to God.
In addition to worship ministry, Melissa is actively involved in healing and deliverance ministry and carries a deep desire to see people restored, set free, and made whole through Jesus Christ. She also has a heart for the next generation and enjoys serving alongside the Youth Ministry, encouraging young people as they grow in their faith and discover who God has called them to be.
Alongside her husband, Chris, Melissa helps oversee the digital and technical enhancement of worship services, thoughtfully using technology and creativity to support the ministry and help extend its reach beyond the walls of the church.
Above all, Melissa’s heart is to serve God and His people, creating opportunities for individuals and families to experience His presence, encounter His love, and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Melissa leads with humility and a strong emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and spiritual growth. Whether through contemporary worship or timeless hymns, her heart is to lead people beyond simply singing songs and into genuine personal and corporate worship that draws them closer to God.
In addition to worship ministry, Melissa is actively involved in healing and deliverance ministry and carries a deep desire to see people restored, set free, and made whole through Jesus Christ. She also has a heart for the next generation and enjoys serving alongside the Youth Ministry, encouraging young people as they grow in their faith and discover who God has called them to be.
Alongside her husband, Chris, Melissa helps oversee the digital and technical enhancement of worship services, thoughtfully using technology and creativity to support the ministry and help extend its reach beyond the walls of the church.
Above all, Melissa’s heart is to serve God and His people, creating opportunities for individuals and families to experience His presence, encounter His love, and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Belinda Writch
Senior Ministry Director
Belinda Writch has a heart for serving God, loving people, and helping others feel welcomed and connected. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve at River Church and considers her church family an important part of her life.
Belinda and her husband, Billy, are blessed with two children, Olivia and Brandon, and two granddaughters, Riley and London. Family is very important to her, and she treasures the time they spend together.
At River Church, Belinda helps teach and serve with the Youth Group, where she enjoys encouraging young people to grow in their relationship with God and discover how His Word applies to their everyday lives. She also serves with the senior adult ministry, Been There Done That Bunch, helping create opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, fun, and growing together in faith.
Belinda enjoys using her creativity and gifts to serve through church events, ministry activities, and outreach. Whether she is working with the youth, spending time with the seniors, or helping behind the scenes, her desire is simply to be available wherever God can use her.
Belinda and her husband, Billy, are blessed with two children, Olivia and Brandon, and two granddaughters, Riley and London. Family is very important to her, and she treasures the time they spend together.
At River Church, Belinda helps teach and serve with the Youth Group, where she enjoys encouraging young people to grow in their relationship with God and discover how His Word applies to their everyday lives. She also serves with the senior adult ministry, Been There Done That Bunch, helping create opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, fun, and growing together in faith.
Belinda enjoys using her creativity and gifts to serve through church events, ministry activities, and outreach. Whether she is working with the youth, spending time with the seniors, or helping behind the scenes, her desire is simply to be available wherever God can use her.
