ENTRY INTO PASTORAL MINISTRY
During most of the 1980s and early 1990s, the focus of Pastor Richard was deeply immersed in the work of an evangelist. This role brought him immense satisfaction as he stepped into the shoes of an evangelist, experiencing their elation and enthusiasm, as well as their challenges and frustration.
There was a saying in Bible schools in Africa that goes thus:
“Every evangelist must drink from the cup of a pastor; every pastor should wear the shoes of an evangelist.”
Remarkably, this adage manifested in his journey.
The essence of his experience lies in the fact that the insights he gained as an evangelist have significantly enriched his pastoral ministry, and conversely, the practical training he received in pastoral contexts provided him with a distinct advantage in his evangelistic pursuits.
Beyond his involvement with the late Dr. E.T. Dodoh’s team, it wasn’t until 1992 that he truly delved into the intricacies of pastoral ministry.
This came about when he became a part of the Pillar of Grace Ministries, Port Harcourt, assuming the dual roles of an assistant pastor and a youth pastor. In this capacity, he assisted the lead pastor and also managed the church’s youth ministry. This unique position enabled him to put into practice much of what he had learned from E.T. Dodoh on pastoral methodologies.
Engaging in ministry within the pastorate of the Pillar of Grace Ministries was truly gratifying due to his comprehensive preparation. In a span of just a few months, his involvement with the youth led to the establishment of over twelve home cells, which the church never had before this time—this was an unprecedented accomplishment for the church. This home cell system became his strategic approach for conscripting and nurturing young believers into leadership roles; like Dr. Dodoh, it became his system for nurturing their spiritual growth and equipping them as tools for the growth of the local assembly where he served as a pastor.
Over the years, his journey has seen him assume various significant roles within the local church framework, encompassing responsibilities as a church administrator, discipleship pastor (guiding and mentoring believers toward spiritual maturity), mission board secretary (orchestrating the church’s mission endeavors), resident pastor (where he deputizes for the lead pastor), and eventually as a lead pastor himself. In his capacity as a servant leader and team player, he has administered many local churches with dedication. He has served as a lead pastor for many years.