Pastor Howard Wheeler

Pastor Howard Wheeler began his ministry in Arkansas in 2002 while still working as a software engineer for Wal-Mart.   In 2004, he moved his family from Springdale, Arkansas to Pottsville, Arkansas to serve the Pottsville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as its full-time pastor.   He was ordained by the Mississippi Valley Presbytery in October, 2005.

In October, 2016, Pastor Wheeler was called to serve as a Church Planter and Pastor of the River City Reformed Church in Little Rock.

He has studied at Erskine College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary and Erskine Theological Seminary.  He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at the Institute for Reformed Worship at Erskine Theological Seminary.

A native of Atlanta, Pastor Wheeler spent 16 years as a software engineer before entering full-time ministry.   In addition to his role as pastor and church planter, he also works as a part-time Chaplain with Arkansas Hospice.  He is married to Melanie Oates Wheeler who grew up in Pottsville.   They have seven children, Isabella, Emma, Joshua, Helena, Elijah, Noah and Naomi.   Melanie is a keeper at home and home educator.

The Wheeler’s enjoy Crossfit, camping, traveling, bird-watching and gardening. To learn more check out Pastor Wheeler’s blog. Or contact him at hwheele@gmail.com.

Pastor James Ritchey

Pastor James Ritchey joined the staff of River City Reformed in May, 2021 as Associate Pastor.

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Pastor Ritchey is a graduate of Mississippi College (2014) and Reformed Theological Seminary (2018). He has served as a students and families assistant at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS, Director of Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Pooler, GA and Pastoral Intern at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church inTampa, Florida.

James and his wife Missy were married in 2017 and have one daughter, Anna Maria. They enjoy hiking, traveling, reading and visiting museums.

To learn more check out Pastor Ritchey’s blog or contact him by email at jamesritchey28@gmail.com.

Photo by Isidoro Martínez on Unsplash