Originally from Greenville, South Carolina, Pastor Eric is the son of a Church of God pastor and has served in ministry all his life; he is a graduate of Lee University, where he was a member of the Lee University Campus Choir and received both bachelor's and master's degrees. Pastor Eric is also an alumnus of Liberty University, where he received degrees in Business Management and Psychology-Christian Counseling. He also holds a Doctorate of Worship Studies with an emphasis in Leadership from Liberty University. Pastor Eric holds the rank of Ordained Bishop with the Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee, and is a graduate of the Church of God Ministerial Internship Program.

 

Before coming to River Oak as Lead Pastor, he served as Senior Pastor of Soul’s Harbor Church of God in Manassas, VA.  For seventeen years, Pastor Eric served leading churches in the Church of God as Administrative Pastor, Associate Pastor, Minister of Music, Youth Pastor, and Director of Christian Education. Pastor Eric serves as the District Overseer of the Danville District, Virginia Church of God State Worship Coordinator, a member of the Church of God International General Assembly Music and Worship Committee, and is currently a member of the Virginia Church of God State Council and the Virginia Church of God World Missions Board.  Pastor Eric has also served on the Virginia Church of God Ministries Board and as the District Overseer of the Northern Virginia District for the Church of God in Virginia. 

 

Eric and Jessica have been married for seventeen years and have two beautiful children,

Makenzie, age fifteen, and Tanner, age twelve.  Jessica is a Western Carolina University graduate with a degree in Secondary Social Science Education. Jessica received her certification in Advanced Placement Education from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Jessica also holds a Master’s Degree in Education – Curriculum and Instruction and History from Liberty University.  Jessica has taught in both public and private schools, grades seven through twelve, and also served as a principal. Jessica serves on the Virginia Church of God Women's Ministries Board and is a gifted speaker, prayer warrior, and leader. Jessica has been the speaker for women’s bible studies and local, state, and church women’s events.

 

Since the age of nine, Eric has felt and fulfilled the call of God to lead his people in worship, in

the study of the word, and leading others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. His calling in life is to assist men, women, and children to grow deeper in their relationships and in the worship of

the highest. The word of God, along with worship, is essential to the spiritual life and well-being of the believer. Therefore, Eric seeks to help others corporately in their spiritual experiences and private times of worship and study. He desires integrity, excellence, and fruitfulness as he serves and leads others.

 

Apart from ministry, Eric enjoys travel and college football (Go Liberty Flames! Clemson

Tigers! and Roll Tide!) and family time. Eric is an avid hunter and enjoys the fellowship of golf.

(He really is a horrible golfer!)

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