LaVarn Gordon
Senior Pastor
Hailing from Portsmouth, VA, and now residing in Charles Town, WV, Pastor LaVarn Gordon brings decades of ministry experience and a heart for worship and community transformation. Since the age of 13, he has faithfully served in various ministry roles, including leading worship teams, teaching, preaching, and equipping leaders. His passion for music and ministry led to the founding of the Sound of Worship (SOW) young adult choir, serving the Eastern Panhandle and Shenandoah Valley communities for over three years.
Pastor LaVarn has a rich history in music ministry, including 13 years as Minister of Music at Zion Baptist Church in Berryville, VA, and as Worship Pastor at Destination Church in Kearneysville, WV. His musical works, such as Songs from His Presence, Unshaken, and Great Joy, reflect his heart for worship and his collaboration with other talented artists.
In 2022, God planted a fresh vision in Pastor LaVarn’s heart, leading to the launch of River Talks Bible Study—a space for meaningful dialogue centered on God’s Word. On January 15, 2023, he announced the start of River Life Church, which held its first launch initiative on October 15, 2023.
With a vision to create a space where people can encounter the River of God and find hope, healing, and purpose, Pastor LaVarn is dedicated to leading a movement that brings the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the forefront. This is just the beginning of what God has in store for River Life Church and all those connected to its mission.
Pastor LaVarn has a rich history in music ministry, including 13 years as Minister of Music at Zion Baptist Church in Berryville, VA, and as Worship Pastor at Destination Church in Kearneysville, WV. His musical works, such as Songs from His Presence, Unshaken, and Great Joy, reflect his heart for worship and his collaboration with other talented artists.
In 2022, God planted a fresh vision in Pastor LaVarn’s heart, leading to the launch of River Talks Bible Study—a space for meaningful dialogue centered on God’s Word. On January 15, 2023, he announced the start of River Life Church, which held its first launch initiative on October 15, 2023.
With a vision to create a space where people can encounter the River of God and find hope, healing, and purpose, Pastor LaVarn is dedicated to leading a movement that brings the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the forefront. This is just the beginning of what God has in store for River Life Church and all those connected to its mission.