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 – FEBRUARY 2025
“2Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3Pray for us too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ…5Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:2-3a&5 NLT)
The Apostle Paul reminds us of two important things we are to be doing as Jesus followers. One is to be devoted to prayer. The Oxford Dictionary defines devotion as having enthusiasm for a specific person, activity, or cause. That seems to describe what Paul is telling us! We are to be enthusiastic in our prayers being thankful and mindful. This helps us be prepared to make the most of every opportunity to share the Gospel. Through prayer Holy Spirit provides the knowledge of what God wants us to do and who He wants us to share the message of Christ with at the opportune time.
One way we stay enthusiastic about prayer is through Prayer Teams with 2-3 others. Hopefully you are connecting with others each week to do this?
Another New Year is underway and the first month is already behind us. Unfortunately, the new year has also brought a new wave of flu and other viruses. And along with it we have experienced a return to winter weather. The Deacon’s Planning Retreat had to be held on Zoom. Adult Bible Study and a variety of other meetings were canceled. And of course attendance has been down. But in true Pioneer fashion we continue to persevere and wait for spring!
We were blessed to have the Sweetheart Dinner this year! Pioneer Deacons (Especially Chef Tim Wilson) along with our Christian Ed leaders and the Youth (which consisted of the Copen family) did a phenomenal job! The food was great. The atmosphere was wonderful. And the Youth served everyone with enthusiasm and love.
We are also blessed that Maggie Webster and Dave Rogers attended the Elder Communion Training held at The Presbyterian Church of Beverly. They will be commissioned to serve following the Stated Meeting of Presbytery on March 14th.
Pioneer is also serving at BAM this week. Thanks to everyone who make this outreach ministry possible.
One thing I was able to do this month was Volunteer again on the Harvest of Hope truck.
I was also blessed to visit folks at home and offer counseling.
Along with these the following is a list of my activities.
Led Worship services, Session Meeting. Made home visits. Volunteered for community service programs. Gave counseling and officiated a wedding.
Humbly Submitted,
Pastor Rick Hastings