Pastor Rick was appointed to serve as Bethel Baptist Church's Pastor November 27, 2018. Prior to that, he served at Antioch Baptist Church under the mentoring of Jack Calloway.

The attributes that best describe Pastor Rick as a pastor are strong preaching, leadership development and counseling. He has expressed a burning desire to lead a church like Bethel 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. Pastor Rick takes worship and preaching very seriously, spending the first hours of his day focused on Bible study.

He graduated from Gaston College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He has served the city of Lincolnton while pursuing his passion of being a pastor.

Pastor Rick has been happily married for 41 years to his wife, Cindy. They have 3 children (Amber, Melissa, and Derrick) and 6 grandchildren (Addison, Harrison, Blake, Brooke, Rebecca, & Georgie). They also have a beloved Kimber (Schnauzer).