About Us
Dr. Nick van Rensburg
Senior Pastor
PHD in Christian Psychology
Doctorate of Divinity
Nick van Rensburg was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the grandson of Rev. Stephen Vandermerwe - one of the founding fathers of the Assembly of God denomination. Nick was raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended Southwestern Assembly of God College in Waxahachie, Texas and the Theological College of South Africa. Nick graduated from Life Christian University in Tampa Florida with a PhD in Christian Psychology. In addition, Life Christian University presented Nick with an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity.
Dr. Esther Van Rensburg
Co-Senior Pastor
PHD in Christian Psychology
Esther Van Rensburg was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. She graduated the University of Pretoria (Tukkies), as a Dental Hygienist and then attended Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas. She later graduated with a PhD in Christian Psychology from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida.
The Van Rensburgs met at Hatfield Baptist in Pretoria and were married in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1982. Together the Van Rensburgs Supervised Teen Challenge Maui, were Associate Pastors at Zoe Christian Fellowship in South Africa, Pastored Reggio Assembly of God in New Orleans and then returned to the islands as Directors of Teen Challenge Oahu. The Van Rensburgs ministered in many churches across the islands and were regular speakers at the 'Catch His Fire, Carry His Flame Conferences' and Esther was also a regular speaker at the 'Womens International Conferences' both hosted by Word of Life Christian Center, Honolulu.
While keeping Hawaii as their Ministry home-base, the Van Rensburgs planted churches in the Durban, South Africa area and were part of a team in pioneering The River at Tampa Bay.
In May 2002, the River Church Hawaii was launched here on Oahu and is now a thriving growing church that is touching lives for Jesus.
Assistant Pastors
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| Charlotte Mings |
Cynthia Meekins |
Hank Makini |
Sharon Makini |
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| Nicholas Van Rensburg |
Myong Pappas |
Nick Pappas |