Shannon & Deanna Gilbert

Their story

Shannon was born on the Caribbean island of the Commonwealth of Dominica and relocated to the United States as a pre-teen. Deanna was born and raised in South Carolina. Shannon first attended The River at Tampa Bay in 2007. Following a traumatic event in 2010, he made a vow to the Lord that redirected the course of his life — and Deanna’s as well. That same year they came together to The River at Tampa Bay Church, were married, and became active members.

The Lord radically transformed their lives through the preaching of the Word and the demonstration of the Holy Spirit under Drs. Rodney and Adonica Howard-Browne. They served faithfully in various departments of the Ministry of Helps and Outreach, fully embracing the vision of the house. In 2012 they answered the call of God and enrolled at the River Bible Institute, graduating in 2015. While students, they were hired in 2013 as Directors of the Ministry of Helps — an assignment they counted as an honor and a privilege. During their internship they were also entrusted with leading Singular Fellowship, ministering to the single members and visitors of the church.

Shannon and Deanna joined the Pastoral Team in 2016. In 2018, as Associate Pastors, they began overseeing the Pastoral Department, caring for the members of The River at Tampa Bay Church through every season of life — from birth to homegoing. This responsibility also includes caring for visitors and attendees, as well as new converts who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during an altar call.

With a servant’s heart for people, a heart for souls, and a passion to serve, they count it a joy to be part of this ministry — the place where they both gave their lives to Jesus and where their lives were impacted and transformed. They are grateful to serve at The River at Tampa Bay Church, a ministry focused on winning the lost, meeting needs, and contending for another Great Spiritual Awakening.

“With a servant’s heart for people, a heart for souls, and a passion to serve, they count it a joy to be part of this ministry — the place where they both gave their lives to Jesus and where their lives were impacted and transformed.”

Where they serve