Pastor

Robert is the husband of Melanie and the father of three adult children, as well as a daughter-in-law. Additionally, he is a proud grandfather to a new grandson. Born in Texas, he holds a degree in cellular biology from the University of Texas. During his college days in the 90s, he experienced significant spiritual growth through active participation in a local church and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Upon graduating from UT, Robert married Melanie, who is also a UT graduate and currently works as a middle school teacher in AISD. His journey led him to serve as a youth pastor in south Austin and later as a college pastor in Stillwater, OK, while pursuing a Master of Divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

After completing his degree, in 1999, Robert and his family relocated to Amherst, Massachusetts, where he founded MERCYhouse and served as the lead pastor for 22 years. Currently, Robert is dedicated to serving at RTC as a pastor and lead church planter. You can reach Robert at robert@ridgetopchurch.org

Worship Leader

Noah grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and came to Austin to study at the University of Texas where he received a degree in Computer Science and now works in the tech industry. Noah’s college days were a time of significant spiritual growth and maturity. While in college, he was part of the Longhorn Baptist Student Ministry, served at Mission Centers of Houston for two summers, and served as a youth minister at a local church in Dripping Springs, TX. Post-college, he worked as a Longhorn BSM intern for a year before taking a tech job at Oracle. Noah has a passion for music and wishes to use those gifts to serve people and connect them with God. He has led worship for churches and ministries, playing both acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and singing. He serves as the worship leader at RTC and can be reached at noah@ridgetopchurch.org.

Staff Associate

Ellen is from the Houston area and has lived in Austin for the past 6 years. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Social Work and a degree in Human Dimensions of Organization. Throughout college she was deeply involved in the Longhorn BSM where she grew in her relationship with Jesus and where a heart for engaging with people groups all over the world was cultivated. Throughout college she was given the opportunity to serve in several overseas contexts and work with refugees in the DFW area. After graduating, she went on staff at the Longhorn BSM to engage college students with the gospel, first as a Campus Missionary Intern and then as a Coordinator working with new freshman at UT. Ellen is now serving on staff at RTC in a variety of capacities including campus and community outreach, women’s ministry, and communications. You can reach Ellen at ellen@ridgetopchurch.org.

Intern

Sophia is from Beaumont, Texas where she worked as an intern at her local church helping lead the praise band in the children’s ministry, meeting with discipleship groups, and playing keyboard during worship. She is now in her second year at UT Austin and is studying Environmental Engineering and hoping to pursue a career that mitigates air pollution. Sophia is usually found at the Longhorn BSM or with a friend she’s made there. Last year, she was involved in the BSM’s First Connection Team to reach out to fellow incoming freshmen, the Latin Mission Community, and the STEM MC. A silly goal she has is to watch every Studio Ghibli movie and read every Peanuts comic. Her recent favorite verse is Psalms 73:25: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire but you.”

Intern

Caeleb grew up in the DFW area before coming to The University of Texas to study Applied Movement Science and Radio-Television-Film. Moving to Austin was transformational in his walk with Jesus as he learned what it meant to be a Christian and how important it is to live out his faith daily. Being surrounded by fellow believers at Ridgetop Church and the Longhorn Baptist Student Ministry has empowered him with a community to grow in spiritual maturity and relationship with one another. Caeleb has also been given the opportunity to serve with Still Water Christian Ministries and see kids' lives impacted by the gospel. His future goal is to be a high school teacher and coach so that he can be a light in the same way that others have been for him. Caeleb is now in his junior year and in his free time enjoys reading, running, and watching Star Wars!

Intern

Interested in interning at Ridgetop Church? If you are an official member of the church, there may be an opportunity to do just that. Please reach out to find out more at connect@ridgetopchurch.org.