Rick was born in Nashville, TN. He and his wife, Margaret, have been married for over 25 years. They have two daughters Jennifer and Whitney. Rick accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized during a revival service in 1982 in Virginia Beach, VA. In the years that followed, he experienced tremendous Spiritual growth. He was called into the ministry in 1989.

Rick earned a degree from Fruitland Bible Institute in Hendersonville, NC in 1992. He holds numerous certificates in various areas of ministry and has had special training in discipleship, outreach and evangelism.

In 1990, Rick was licensed to preach at the First Baptist Church in Indian Trail, NC. He was ordained two years later at the New Morgan Hill Baptist Church in Candler, NC. Rick has served as an associate pastor working with the youth and Christian education departments. He also served as associate interim pastor and later as senior pastor. In 1997, he was instrumental in the founding of a new seeker church. In addition to his various pastorates, Rick has served as counseling coordinator for a Billy Graham Crusade, area coordinator for a "Promise Keepers" assembly, chairman of outreach events, and leader for nine mission trips.