Our Leadership

Services

SUNDAY - Worship ServicE | tuesday - Prayer | tuesday - BIBLE STUDY

Our Leadership Team

The Historic Union Baptist Church is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. The following are brief bios of our leadership team and their qualifications for serving in ministry.

REVEREND DR. WILL J. RIVERS, III

PASTOR-ELECT

Reverend Dr. Will J. Rivers, III was appointed to serve as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in 2021. 

Reverend Dr. Rivers has served in ministry since 2000. Prior to joining Union Baptist Church, he served as a pastor for 14 years. In August 2025, Reverend Dr. Rivers accepted the invitation and was elected to serve as pastor of Union Baptist Church. Reverend Dr. Rivers is a faith leader who is extremely approachable with a heart that seeks to serve the Lord in spirit and in truth.  He is a devout Bible scholar, a fervent prayer warrior, and a beacon of encouragement. 

Pastor-Elect Rivers is married to his beautiful wife and best friend of 9 years, Dr. Tonya Rivers, and shares 4 wonderful children. 

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Reverend Dr. Will J. Rivers, III was appointed to serve as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in 2021. 

Reverend Dr. Rivers has served in ministry since 2000. Prior to joining Union Baptist Church, he served as a pastor for 14 years. In August 2025, Reverend Dr. Rivers accepted the invitation and was elected to serve as pastor of Union Baptist Church. Reverend Dr. Rivers is a faith leader who is extremely approachable with a heart that seeks to serve the Lord in spirit and in truth.  He is a devout Bible scholar, a fervent prayer warrior, and a beacon of encouragement. 

Pastor-Elect Rivers is married to his beautiful wife and best friend of 9 years, Dr. Tonya Rivers, and shares 4 wonderful children. 

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DEACON MICHAEL HOLLIDAY, SR

DEACON MINISTRY

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DEACON JOHNNY GOODRICH

DEACON MINISTRY

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MINISTER JOYCE ELLIOTT

ASSOCIATE MINISTER

Minster Joyce Elliott was appointed to serve as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in 2000. 

The attributes that best describe Minister Elliott as a minister are strong preaching, teaching and leadership development and counseling. She has expressed a burning desire a leader at a church like Union Baptist Church where biblical views are embraced and encouraged, with members who care about the needs of those around them and who want to connect others to the body of Christ.  

Minister Elliott takes worship and preaching very seriously, spending hours of her day focused on studying the Bible.

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Minster Joyce Elliott was appointed to serve as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in 2000. 

The attributes that best describe Minister Elliott as a minister are strong preaching, teaching and leadership development and counseling. She has expressed a burning desire a leader at a church like Union Baptist Church where biblical views are embraced and encouraged, with members who care about the needs of those around them and who want to connect others to the body of Christ.  

Minister Elliott takes worship and preaching very seriously, spending hours of her day focused on studying the Bible.

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MINISTER ANTON LANE

ASSOCIATE MINISTER

Minister Anton Lane was appointed to serve as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in 1999.

For 10 plus years Minister Lane has served as Youth Minister and also serves as the Wood River Region 1 Youth Director. Minister Lane has been involved with youth for over 25 years in a variety of capacities. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he developed a curriculum for Union Baptist Church supporting our youth within the Church, in their home and their school. 

Minister Lane has taught ecology and self-esteem processes at Harris Stowe internship based at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, He was sworn in as a juvenile mentor for St. Louis County Detention Center support youth caught up in the system. He has served as a guest speaker for a variety of workshops and organizations including Job Corps of St. Louis and The Urban League. 

Minister Lane has celebrated 23 years of marriage to his beautiful wife (Summer Lane) with whom he shares 3 beautiful daughters and one granddaughter.


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Minister Anton Lane was appointed to serve as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in 1999.

For 10 plus years Minister Lane has served as Youth Minister and also serves as the Wood River Region 1 Youth Director. Minister Lane has been involved with youth for over 25 years in a variety of capacities. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he developed a curriculum for Union Baptist Church supporting our youth within the Church, in their home and their school. 

Minister Lane has taught ecology and self-esteem processes at Harris Stowe internship based at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, He was sworn in as a juvenile mentor for St. Louis County Detention Center support youth caught up in the system. He has served as a guest speaker for a variety of workshops and organizations including Job Corps of St. Louis and The Urban League. 

Minister Lane has celebrated 23 years of marriage to his beautiful wife (Summer Lane) with whom he shares 3 beautiful daughters and one granddaughter.


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