Dr. Gerald Mann

My preacher for many years. It was always such a pleasure readying for church with Dr. Mann and Jesus at the helm. He always made it a SON day and not just a Sunday. Gary L. Foley

I am so thankful i got the chance to meet him in 2000 at Riverbend Church.
-Ashley Lamb

I was privileged to meet him when he was at his first church, First Baptist Church Spring Branch, Houston. As a Youth Minister, he quickly made plans to take the teenagers of the church to Washington,D.C.,& Ridgecrest Baptist Encampment in North Carolina. He & I had many discussions about telling the word in places such as bars that featured live Music. He told me that Jesus went into places that his disciples didn't understand. His encouragement was not received we'll by my Mother.
I did proceed to entertain all around Houston. Gerald left as Youth Pastor & went to Austin as his first position as Minister. I'll always remember how he made it OK to perform & live for Jesus. I'm looking forward to seeing him someday in Heaven.

I was blessed to have received a small part of his ministry. Thank you, Dr. Mann for your wisdom and guidance through this place we call earth.

I wouldn't be a Christian today if it hadn't been for his sermons. We have much of the same views about Christianity. I have all his CDs and listen to them constantly in my truck. Thank you, Dr. Mann for introducing me to Jesus. 3/14/17
Joe Brock

Lost within my own life, I missed when Dr. Mann passed. I was first introduced to him when he married my brother and sister-in-law as UT-Baptist Church. You could call me a 'reluctant' Christian...Until I heard a sermon. He was eloquent. He was a Texas gentleman. He was a man of God, whose words still ring true. I'm living through a difficult time and I heard, "Wait to worry"...I've just finished watching all the YouTube videos out there. His words still so comforting, I wish there were more. He taught me Grace and he taught me Forgiveness. I am thankful for knowing him. Godspeed to all his family. xoxo

Thank You Dr. Mann for all your all you sermons delivered straight from the heart.

I miss my father a lot!!

Dr. Gerald Mann was one of the best #preachers I've ever heard. He was very knowledgeable, #humorous and down to earth so that made it easy to listen...and you wanted to! I attended in the mid-90s and found a loving, fun group of friends through Sunday school and we saw each other through everything. We shared the #love of #Christ with everyone who walked through the doors of #Riverbend...because we all know it's a #journey and we need each other's love and support to live the fulfilling life #God intended through fellowship with Him and others. I'm grateful Gerald set the tone for the church that always has open arms for everyone seeking the truth. It is my favorite church of all time and set the standard for what I look for in a church. I live in Aggieland now and Grace Bible Church holds a close second in my opinion...but regardless of its size, Riverbend always had a small church feel...a place you could walk in and feel right at home...so thank you, Gerald, for setting the standard for churches which should love and embrace everyone and accept people where they are at....your humor is also unmatched and I miss listening to your stories while you sat on a stool and shared your #humanity and God's #forgiveness and love with the world.
I'm so glad that I dedicated my son there...and the group loved my son like their own...what a beautiful experience for a single mother all the way around...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Rosemary Smith
[email protected]

His sermons was always relevant and his approach to "speaking with" his audience and not "to" them is still a rarity. Thanking God for this beautiful gift.

Dr. Mann was "there" for me, even though we'd never met. I became acquainted with him through his upbeat TV broadcasts while living in West Texas. I also read his book, "Common Sense Religion." Both provided me with comfort and encouragement during a particularly difficult time.

Having moved several times I lost track of Dr. Mann. A few years ago I heard of his struggle with Parkinson's from a member of Riverbend Church. Last week, I learned of his passing.

A belated farewell to this remarkably positive minister for Christ.

Dr. Mann, thank u for being there for me and help me to become the lady I am today and have since 1996. U will be truly missed. Danny and I love u & Mrs. Lois and look forward to seeing u all again one day.

Gerald taught me a great deal in the 16 years I was at Riverbend. I loved serving at the church while he was there. He was an amazing and wonderful man.

I'm so sorry for your loss, he was a great man. I had the honor of being baptized by him when I was a young girl, he led many to Thr Lord.

He influenced me more than anyone outside of my family......truly inspirational for the 30 plus years I listened to him.....University Baptist, to a small schoolroom on Walsh-Tarlton, to the first sanctuary to the present church. I was fortunate enough to run into him a few years ago, in Whole Foods, and tell him, again, what he had done for me, and to me, spiritually. I will miss him like family.

I was there at Riverbend in the earlier years when Dr. Mann inspired me, and so many others, to find a church home again. He truly was a blessing to so many, a true servant of God. Riverbend Church is a tribute to his faith and understanding of the spiritual needs of so many.

God Bless your family, you were one of a kind. I always felt welcome at RiverBend.

Gerald meant so much to so many. He was the reason that John and I started attending church on a regular basis and really enjoying every minute. He has been missed so much over the last few years. I am glad that he is now at peace.

I had the privilege of being friends with Gerald Mann, and I considered it an honor to be his friend. Although a Methodist and a preacher's kid, we were congregants and over the years I played a few rounds of golf with Gerald. Hearing his morning prayer in the Texas House each morning made me a better legislator and a better person. God has already blessed Lois and Gerald and I hope that the "Precious Memories" of them will help the family in the days ahead.

Gerald brought many of us back to Church through his inspiring messages of "beginning again".
Our best wishes go to Sandy and the family as well as the Riverbend community.
Gerald was a great inspiration to all who had the opportunity to know him.

Joe Birdwell

Dr. Mann was the Chaplain of the House for much of the time when I was Speaker of the House.

Each day we would begin with a prayer from Gerald before we began the day's business. I think he helped us in our work. I know he did for me.

Gerald Mann was a great Texan. His passing leaves a legacy for others to follow as big as Texas!