staff

Rick Nicely

Lead pastor

For 25 years Rick has served in the area of student ministry in churches across the state of Virginia. After serving the last 12 years as the high school Pastor at Spotswood, the Lord is now leading the Nicely’s to the Ladysmith area to plant a new church. Pray for the Nicely family as they boldly follow God’s leading in fulfilling his command of making disciples and planting churches. Rick and his beautiful wife Michelle have been married for over 20 years and love being the parents of their two daughters, Hope and Emmi .

Jim Stone

associate pastor

Jim Stone currently serves as our Associate Pastor. He and his wife Elaine have served for 42 years in multiple full-time pastoral positions in Maryland and Virginia. They've committed their lives to serving people to the glory of God: spreading His love and hope. Being married for 39 years, they have three married children: Aaron & Missy, Jesse & Brooke, and Olivia & Daniel. They also share six grandchildren earth-side and one residing in heaven. They are thrilled to begin their partnership at River Rock; thanking God for this new ministry adventure.

ashley weakley

Ministry assistant

Ashley has served in Kids’ Ministry for 8 years in various roles including teaching preschoolers, shepherding elementary schoolers during VBS, and serving as a Team-Leader at Fairmount Christian Church in Mechanicsville, Virginia.  As the Kids’ Director at River Rock Church, Ashley oversees programs for kids from birth through 5th grade.  Ashley has a heart for family worship and discipleship and aims to support parents in their role as the primary disciplers of their children.  Ashley and her husband, Jason, have lived in Caroline County for 18 years and together have three children: Skylar, Virginia, and Jase.

Brandi vanmatre

Kids director

Brandi VanMatre began serving at River Rock Church Caroline as Kids Ministry Director in 2021. She currently oversees programs from babies to 5th grade and is dedicated to partnering with families to further demonstrate the heart of Christ. Her husband Josh has been serving on the setup and tear down team since 2018. Brandi and Josh have lived in Caroline since 2010 and have 2 wonderful, hardworking children Gabriel and Madison.