Above all else, Riverside Fellowship seeks to be led by the Holy Spirit and by His Word. Jesus Christ is the true head of the Body of Christ, both locally and globally. Our desire is to be faithful to His Word and to be fueled by His Spirit. Our local congregation is led by a Board of Directors who work together with the Pastor and staff to lead, serve, and shepherd the church. The current Board of Directors is Doug Crothers, Buff Groth, Kathy Heard, John Meade, and Penny Vaughan. Our Pastor Kevin Wood also serves on the board while serving as the primary teacher and shepherd of the church.

Kevin Wood, Pastor

Riverside Fellowship called Kevin Wood to serve as their pastor in August 2022. Kevin and his wife Traci have three kids – Graham, Lydia, and Fisher.  Traci is a professional educator and serves as the Math Coach at Jordan Elementary School in Brentwood. She has been teaching in Williamson County Schools since 2014. Graham and Lydia are students at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and Fisher is a student at Franklin High School.

Kevin received his Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, AL in 2003. His undergraduate work was done at Samford University (B.A. History and Religion, 1998). He has served on church staffs in Alabama and Mississippi, including time as a Teaching Minister at The Church at Brook Hills (Birmingham, AL) and Church Planter / Lead Pastor of The Church at Trace Crossing (Tupelo, MS). Kevin also spent time traveling and speaking at youth camps and college campuses across the southeast. Most recently, he served for six months as the Interim Preacher at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville, TN as they began the search process for their new pastor.

Kevin grew up in an Air Force family, criss-crossing the country throughout his early life. Originally born in New Jersey, his family also spent time in California, Texas, Georgia, Maryland, and Florida. Kevin enjoys spending time kayaking with Traci, throwing the baseball with his boys, or making late night ice cream runs with his daughter. He is an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Florida State Seminoles. He currently serves on the board for Bringing Good News (visit here), a mission organization that focuses on meeting the needs of the poor and persecuted around the world. He has participated or led mission trips to Nepal, China, Ukraine, and Honduras.

William Hearn, Worship Minister

William Hearn joined the Riverside Fellowship staff in September 2024. He comes from a very accomplished musical family and is adept at leading worship by guitar or piano. He also oversees our Riverside Fellowship choir. William is a Nashville native and has led worship services for churches all across the Middle Tennessee area.  William and his wife Sophia are preparing to welcome their first child in October. Outside of spending time with his family, William enjoys spending time playing disc golf, both for fun as well playing in local tournaments. He also enjoys designing and creating furniture and other pieces at his woodworking shop called Nashville Wood (visit here).

Cindy Kurzrock, Children’s Director

Cindy is our regular Children’s Message presenter and Handbell director. She came to Tennessee from Ohio via South Florida so many years ago that she definitely considers herself a Tennessean. She has been employed by Hospital Corporation of America since 1979, most recently as Manager of Financial Reporting and currently as a part time consultant. Cindy’s husband, Doug is a (retired) Florida native and huge football fan. Her daughter, Ruth is an occupational therapist for NHC. Cindy loves gardening, sewing and reading. She would love to hear your ideas for children’s programs and mission projects. There is always room for more handbell ringers – this is great fun that happens every Thursday evening.

Susan Smith, Pianist / Accompanist

Susan Smith joined the Riverside Fellowship staff in June 2024. She is originally from Surgoinsville, a small town in east Tennessee. She began piano study at the age of six. Susan’s first pianist job was at the Surgoinsville Baptist Church when she was 13 years old. As a teen, Susan commited to a career in church music, and has been pianist of many churches since that time. Susan graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. It was there that she met her future husband, Steve Smith, who was also a music major.

Susan has taught many years of piano lessons and enjoys playing wedding programs and events outside of church. She has also spent several years as a substitute teacher in Williamson County schools. She is presently employed by Fountains of Franklin as part-time receptionist.

Steve is now retired from careers in the music business and the building codes industry. He is presently employed by the Williamson County Parks and Rec at Maryland Farms Racquet facility.

Steve and Susan have four grown children and five grandchildren. They have lived in Williamson County for over twenty years and in Franklin for fifteen years. They both enjoy tennis, traveling, home improvement projects and reading.

Susan is delighted and thankful to be on board as a staff member of the Riverside Fellowship family.

Joy Haney, Lina Wagoner, Rachel Bell   |   Preschool Staff

Riverside Fellowship is blessed to have a great staff of Preschool and Nursery Workers. Together they provide a great place for kids to grow and learn each and every Sunday morning. All of our Preschool and Nursery staff have gone through thorough background checks. They bring years and years of experience providing the very best environment for our kids each week!