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.
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
PASTOR’S REPORT – OCTOBER 20TH 2026
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 ESV)
Paul makes two points in this brief exhortation. The first is that people get tired. The second is that there are seasons. Let’s keep this in mind as we continue following the Way of Jesus with the Harvest Moon waxes full overhead, and the leaves bring color to the woodlands around us.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good”.… It’s tempting for us to read this passage of scripture and think of it in physical terms. Especially after a busy season of physically demanding work. However, the Greek word that Paul uses here speaks to our spiritual condition. And for good reason. It is well known that we are most vulnerable to temptation when we are hungry, angry, or physically tired. And how can we be doing good if we’re not doing something? And Jesus has made it clear that as apprentices we are to be doing what He did.
The past month has been filled with doing for sure! I have no doubt that many Pioneers went home tired from doing after the final day of the Lions Club’s Apple Butter Stir Off. Thanks to everyone who helped split wood, stir, cut, process, and can. It is indeed a lot of work but it is also a wonderful opportunity to interact with the community.
Another opportunity for doing good was providing a meal at Latrobe Street Mission. All the Pioneers who helped cook and serve the meal were indeed the hands and feet of Christ in action.
Also thanks to everyone who came out for our Pioneer Game Night! It was a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and have fun together. I was especially glad to hear that our young folks are looking forward to the next one!
Along with these the following is a list of my activities.
Made hospital visits and phone calls. Participated in online devotions. Led Men’s Group meetings. Volunteered for community programs.
Humbly Submitted, Pastor Rick Hastings
10/20/26