Elders
Meet our leaders
The congregation is currently led by nine 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.
Ron Jackson
ELDER
Ron Jackson has served as an elder since 2000 after serving as a deacon for several years. Ron and his wife Peggy have been attending Riverchase since 1981. Ron is a graduate of Alabama Christian (currently known as Faulkner University) – A.A., Harding University – B_A., Abilene Christian University – M.A., and the University of Alabama – J.D. He has served as a District Judge in Shelby County since 1991.
Ron and Peggy grew up within 20 miles of each other, but didn’t start dating until they were at Abilene Christian. They were married in 1971 and have one son; Alan, and two daughters; Amy and Anna. Peggy is now a retired schoolteacher. In his spare time, Ron enjoys gardening, reading – and all sports.
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.
Dewayne Spivey
ELDER
Dewayne first began working with our congregation as the preaching minister in the fall of 1999 and retired in 2024. He has been serving as an elder since 2021. Dewayne was born in Moulton, AL and graduated from Austin High School in Decatur. He began preaching as a teenager at the Memorial Drive congregation (now known as Beltline) in Decatur. He attended Freed-Hardeman College and graduated from David Lipscomb in 1972, majoring in Bible. He has served congregations in Mississippi, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Alabama.
Dewayne’s first wife, Cathy, passed away in 2009. He is now married to Jane, a graduate of Faulkner and Auburn University of Montgomery. They have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and nine grandchildren.
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.
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