Staff and Leadership

Rev. Russ Boyd

Senior Minister

Russ Boyd began serving as our Senior Minister in May of 2017. A native of Radford, Virginia, Russ earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina as a Religion and Political Science double major in 2000. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in 2003, and was ordained by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) after graduation. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.


During his seminary years, Russ served as Youth Minister at Creekwood Christian Church in Flower Mound, Texas. After graduation and ordination, he accepted a call to serve as Associate Minister at Collierville Christian Church near Memphis, Tennessee. In 2007, Russ was called as Associate Minister for Youth at University Christian Church of Fort Worth where he served for nearly 10 years.


A graduate of Furman University’s Army ROTC program, Russ serves as a chaplain in the Army Reserve. He is currently assigned to U.S. Army Japan where he completes his Reserve duty in a 5-week block every year, and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies through the U.S. Army War College.


Outside of church, Russ enjoys traveling and finding great restaurants (if you’re familiar with the Enneagram, he is a 7), dabbling in home improvement projects, and attempting DIY endeavors like smoking foods. Russ’ wife, Sarah, is also a lifelong Disciple and TCU alumna. They have four children, all of whom love being part of RCC.


Carissa Robinson

Summer Ministry Intern

Carissa is a Master of Divinity student at Brite Divinity School who joined our staff as Summer Ministry Intern on May 23. She grew up as a missionary kid in Venezuela and has also spent time working in Bolivia and teaching elementary school here in the United States. Carissa is married with three kids, lives in Crowley, and found her way to Disciples through Galileo Church. In her role on staff she provides leadership for youth/children's ministries, coordinates our community outreach programs, and more.

Alex Carr

Choir Director

From Alex: I grew up in Cedar Hill, Texas where I was the fourth of seven children.  I received my bachelors degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University in 2009, and my MM in Choral Conducting from TCU in 2011. At TCU, I served as the Drum Major of the Horned Frog Marching Band, an Associate Justice in Student Government, and as the Conducting Graduate Assistant of the TCU Choral Department. I currently teach choir in a local school district in the Fort Worth area. I came to Ridglea Christian Church as a stereotypical poor music student simply looking for work. I have truly been blessed to be included into such a wonderful and inclusive congregation.

Sarah Becker

Pianist/organist

Sarah grew up in Fort Worth attending University Christian Church, and made her way to Ridglea as organist in October 2015.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Trinity University in San Antonio in 2013, and her Master of Music in Musical Instrument Research from the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2015. Sarah has served as a choral accompanist for Irving ISD since 2019. She and her wife, Katie, were married in Ridglea's sanctuary in 2021 and live in Fort Worth. 


Anna JAcobson

Office and Media Coordinator

Anna is currently an undergraduate at Texas Christian University where she is majoring in Computer Science and serves in leadership with Disciples On Campus. A native of Spring, Texas, she grew up in a Disciples church and knew how to livestream before it was something every church needed to learn how to do. In her role as Worship Media Coordinator, Anna ensures that media is seamlessly incorporated into our services in the sanctuary and that those worshipping online have a great experience.

Emily James

Children's Worship Coordinator

Emily is a native of San Angelo and an undergraduate at TCU, where she is double majoring in Modern Dance and Psychology with a minor in Ceramics. She joined our staff in 2023 on Easter Sunday and coordinates our Sunday morning children's programming, providing a consistent presence to oversee the PRAYground, Worship & Wonder, and other opportunities for kids.

Sophia Spiess

Nursery Attendant


Rylie Thompson

NURSERY ATTENDANT

From Rylie: I was raised in Mansfield, and I loved the idea of babysitting so I got American Red Cross babysitting certified at 13, which started my childcare career. I have worked for MISD with elementary students, two daycares, and been a nanny since I was 17. I was looking for a new church family and Ridglea Christian Church has taken me in and has been amazing! I love my nursery family!

Nate Evans

Custodian

After Nate moved into an apartment near the church, he found a special place where he could volunteer for a couple of days every week helping out with odd jobs and small tasks around the property. Eventually Nate became our official church custodian, and takes great pride in caring for our building and grounds during the week and serving as a dedicated lay leader on Sundays. If you notice an area of the building that looks especially beautiful, be sure to let Nate know!