OUR STAFF
Children's Ministry Director
Margaret Schreve
Margaret became the Children's Ministry Director in 2017 and is passionate about helping children and their families connect to Jesus and the church as they grow in faith. She teaches preschool at a local private school and enjoys reading in her free time. Margaret and her husband of 36 years, Rick, have 3 daughters, 2 sons-in-law and 10 beautiful grandchildren.
Office Administrator
Frances Smudricks
Frances Smudricks has served as Office Administrator at HRBC since July, 2018. Upon retirement from the Financial Services Industry in March, 2017, she moved from Texas and now happily resides in Sulphur with her daughter, Amy and granddaughter, Brodie. Her goal is to be close to her family, establish a church family and continue to grow as a Christian. With God’s direction, prayer and leadership, those goals are being achieved.
Maitenance
Sam Smudricks
Sam serves as part of our maintenance crew.
Student Pastor
Timothy Gothrup
Timothy has been our Student Pastor since the summer of 2022. He previously served as the Student Associate at First Moss Bluff. Timothy has a wife, Leigha, and a son, Liam.
Finance Director
Sandra Sallier
Sandra has been a part of the HRBC team since February 2019 and is responsible for Accounts Receivables and Payables.
Maintenance Director
Frank Gautreaux
Frank's responsibilities include assisting in the repair and upkeep of buildings on campus.
Lonnie Gothrup
Senior Pastor
“I will teach you and instruct you in the way that you should go; I will guide you with my eye.”
Psalm 32:8
I have served as the Senior Pastor of Houston River since Spring of 1997. There are many hats that I wear as pastor: preacher, teacher, counselor, shepherd, leader, and manager. But I am most like Jesus when I am serving others. I cannot get away from Jesus’ words in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve; and to give his life as a ransom for many.” While I get to experience many joys as a pastor, the single thing that brings me the most joy is watching the life-change that occurs in a person who begins following Jesus.
I have been happily married to my first girlfriend, Tammy Heirtzler Gothrup, for 34 plus years. We have two children, Lydia and Timothy, and three grandsons.
Ever since I was a child, I have had a love for fishing. While I prefer bass, I’m never disappointed when something else bites my bait. It is often said that a bad day on the water beats a good day in the office. However, I have never had a bad day on the water, whether I catch or not, it is a great way to relax.
It is my hope that you will visit Houston River soon. The one thing I know above all else is that JESUS CHANGES LIVES and you can meet Him here.