Meet our team

River Bluff is highly team oriented. Meet our staff below. They assist in organizing the discipleship & ministry programs. 

(Click their name to contact them.)

  • REV. SCOTT WATSON

    Senior pastor

    Scott grew up in St. Louis. On his drive to Southwest Missouri State University (MSU) to begin his freshman year, Scott was asking himself huge questions about life and purpose. The first day in the dorm a friend invited him to a Bible study on the hall. There he heard about a God that loved him, that offered forgiveness and could give purpose and meaning to life. He gave his heart to Christ and began to follow Him. He received his degree in Human Resources from MSU. After college he sensed a calling to graduate school and graduated from Southwestern Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. Scott served as Associate Pastor of Westside Baptist Church in Waynesville, Mo. He served as Minister of Youth and College at First Baptist Church of Springfield, MO before becoming Pastor of River Bluff Fellowship. Scott loves sharing the greatest story ever told, that of God’s love and the sending Jesus so we could know Him. Scott is married to Susan. They have six children and six grandchildren. 


  • DR. Jonathan House

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    We like to say Jonathan is a man of many talents. Dr. House loves spending time with his wife and family. His hobbies include homesteading, wood working, virtual reality and all things tech. He has a wealth of knowledge about many subjects, and runs a farm and other small businesses. He is a great steward of time and resources which makes him a perfect fit for leading River Bluff Fellowship in our stewardship of resources. The attitude and work that flows out of our heart during the week is an act of worship according to Romans 12, which makes him equally suited to lead our congregation as the Worship Pastor. Jonathan holds degrees from Southwest Missouri State University and Trinity Theological Seminary.

  • REV. CASEY MALLEY

    Youth & College Pastor

    Casey Malley grew up in Waynesville and attended Southwest Baptist University where he earned a B.A. in Christian Ministry in 2013. After graduating he accepted a ministry position in California, MO where he met his wife Austen. They have been married since 2014 and have 3 kids.  Casey is a huge fan of the University of Kentucky and the Denver Broncos.  He joined the River Bluff team in July 2018 and is excited about everything that God is doing and will continue to do through the youth & college programs.

  • Megan Cardwell

    children's director

    Megan graduated from Missouri Western State University with a Bachelor's degree in English. After graduation, she married her college sweetheart, Eric, and God began to grow their family. They have two awesome daughters, Gracelyn & Faith. The Cardwell family joined River Bluff in 2009 and have served in multiple ministries. Megan began serving on staff as Children's Ministry Assistant in 2015, and was called to serve as Children’s Director during the Summer of 2022. She has LOVED getting to serve our kiddos & families, and working closely with our incredible staff & amazing “Kids Crew” volunteers to help execute the plans & daily operations of River Bluff Kids Ministry!

    Megan also enjoys spending quality time with family & friends, coffee, traveling, and hosting their Life Group. Megan is one of the kindest and friendliest people you will ever meet, we are blessed to have her.


  • Dana burnich

    children's ministry assistant

    Dana Burnich was born and raised in Texas but got to Missouri as fast as she could. She graduated from Evangel University with a degree in Elementary Education. Dana and her husband, Steve, have been married for 15 years. She taught 3rd grade for several years before staying at home with her two kids, Darby and Owen. Dana has been the assistant to the Children’s Ministry Director since 2022 loves serving River Bluff families. She is enthusiastic and has so many wonderful gifts that bless our children’s ministry, church, & Staff team!  She loves taking care of her small family farm and looks forward to long coffee dates with friends. We are so fortunate to have Dana helping us lead our children’s ministry!

  • Karen goodin

    Office Manager / Financial secretary

    Karen was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. She graduated from Drury University and taught elementary school in Republic, Missouri for 29 years. Recently retired, Karen currently serves as the financial secretary at River Bluff Fellowship. 


    In her spare time, she loves to spend time with family and friends, crafting and loving on the babies and children at River Bluff.

  • Lance RENFROW

    TECH DIRECTOR

    "Sir Lance-A-Lot" shares his passion for all things tech as he directs our tech ministry. His wife, Wendy, is a veteran member of our worship team and his family are long time members of River Bluff. Lance is a local business owner and entrepreneur. 

  • JessIe Tartamella
    Church Caretaker

    Jessie and her family are longtime members of River Bluff. Her 20+ years experience in the cleaning industry blesses all who enter our church as she strives to serve with an attention to detail and hospitality.