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 – APRIL 2025

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”    (Matthew 20:26-28 NLT)

  As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Lord we must not hurry to it and forget the Passion which He showed us in offering His life in exchange for our sin. Jesus sets a powerful example for us to follow in His humility and willingness to serve those in distress or who are sick. But it is His giving His life as a ransom that brings us right standing with the Father. Let this truth be our North Star as we seek to follow the way of Christ in servanthood to others.

 The past month has been full. The Lenten Season services following The Chosen has been a wonderful guide as we journey towards Easter. 

 A couple of ways that we were able to serve others this month was serving a meal at Latrobe St. Mission and volunteering at BAM.

 Several Pioneers served others by sharing God’s love through the Mid-Ohio Valley Emmaus community’s Men’s and Women’s Walk. Angela Watkins even served on the Team for the Women’s Walk.

 I was also blessed to volunteer for Harvest of Hope, make home visits, 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 and gave counseling. 

Humbly Submitted,
Pastor Rick Hastings 
4/16/25