A Short Bio About Pastor Rick
A native of Belpre, Ohio Pastor Rick Hastings began his ministry at Pioneer Church in December 2010. Pastor Rick has moved 27 times and lived in 10 different states after leaving the area at age ten. His father was a construction project manager building banks all over the USA. In 1972 Rick was part of the historic desegregation movement in Florence, South Carolina attending a previously all black school. Rick’s many life experiences have shown him that people are people. Some are positive and bearers of light, some are negative and bearers of darkness regardless of race, economy, or gender.
Rick continued in his dad’s footsteps working in the building trades industry in many capacities until answering the call of his Heavenly Father to Christian Ministry in 2003. Pastor Rick graduated from Vision International Seminary, Romona, Ca. Receiving his ordination from the Association of Fundamental Ministers and Churches. Pastor Rick has trained in several spiritual disciplines and counseling at Ashland Seminary, Ashland, Ohio.
A Video Message from Pastor Rick
PASTOR’S MESSAGE – DECEMBER 2024
“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger… Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb… Peter noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings.” (Luke 2:7 & 27:59-60 & John 20:6-7-NLT)
Cloth…Not silk which was THE premier fabric at the time. Just plain cloth. Probably linen grown from the earth. How appropriate that “cloth” grown from the earth would be used by the Creator and Redeemer of the universe to help tell His story of love. The layers of imagery and metaphor are so rich when we take time to consider it. The amount of detail that the Lord attended to in our rescue is absolutely stunning. And, it is completely humbling. Jesus did not enter into human existence with fan fair and parade like the rich and famous. Instead He entered in the way that the vast majority of humanity can relate to. Humbly, quietly, simply. An example that we would all do good to follow this Advent Season and always.
As is often the case this time of year, the past month has been a busy but blessed one. We began with the Spiritual Gifts Retreat. Several people have mentioned how much they enjoyed it and were blessed by it. Another wonderful blessing was our Afternoon of Christmas Caroling that the Deacons put together. 23 of us went caroling and 32 of us enjoyed great food and fellowship at The Olive Garden Restaurant.
Another blessing was the BMF Community Thanksgiving Service that was held at Pioneer Church. Over 80 folks from our community turned out for a wonderful service and message by Pastor Josh French of Our Father’s House Church.
I was also able to transition onto Medicare this month
In addition I met with board members of BAM. I Volunteered on the Harvest of Hope truck. And I continued working on a Spiritual Life Coach Certification.
I was also blessed to visit folks at home and in care facilities.
Along with these the following is a list of my activities.
Led Worship services, Session Meeting. Made home and hospital visits. Volunteered for community service programs. And gave counseling.
Humbly Submitted,
Pastor Rick Hastings
12/12/24