VITAL Conversations with Pastor Rick & Trish Whittaker
Vital Conversations: Lessons Learned from the Margins
Name: Richard “Rick” Whittaker Jr
Spouse: Patricia “Trish” Whittaker
Children/Grandchildren: Daughter - Harley Franchi
Current Church: Floyd Church of God
How long have you pastored this church?: 1 year 9 months
Other churches you have served?: Youth Pastor Pearisburg Church of God
How has God confirmed His calling on your life?
I have several instances in which God has spoken through different people about the calling He has on my life. I feel like every time I am in the pulpit He confirms His calling for me. There is no greater feeling than being part of the Floyd Church of God and seeing God transform the lives of His people. Also when I have a doubt or a concern God shows up in a mighty way every time and shows me His hand has guided me.
How has God proven His faithfulness in your ministry?
When you pray and seek God for answers and He shows up in ways beyond your imagination! I can remember feeling wrestless and times and asking God to show me what it was about. I vividly remember a dear sister in the Lord coming to me and saying brother the Lord told me there is a door about to open that you haven’t been looking for. It was the door to becoming the Pastor at Floyd COG. I never expected it to be that door but I see God’s hand and faithfulness with every step in this journey and am so grateful for the open door.
Why do you enjoy pastoring your local congregation?
From day one they become a vital part of my family that God has granted us. I love seeing God transform each of their lives and them step into their callings. Also from the first time I stepped into the church and every time after it feels like home.
Why is your local congregation vital to your community?
Floyd has predominantly been in the past a town that didn’t put God at the forefront along with other areas of the state. I see our church being a light on the hill to this town and county and we are seeing God bring people in and a hunger building in Floyd for revival and lives to be changed.
What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from a misstep or mistake in handling a situation?
I haven’t pastored long, but in youth ministry, I learned early on that I do not need to lean on myself. I have to fully trust God in every step, every situation. If I lean into my own understanding I’m going to mess it up, but to walk in God’s path and when He says to do it. It works out far better than I could imagine and I am sure glad He factored in my stupidity.
Have you had to think “outside the box” to accomplish a task or mission in the church and what was it?
Starting a children’s ministry at the church when we didn’t have any kids coming regularly at the time. It made us feel like the movie Field of Dreams - if you build they will come. We found out - if you start it and have others pray with you! They do in fact come and God brings the increase!!
What are some of the future ministry goals for your church?
We are currently working on putting together a food and clothing bank for our community. We feel this is a great need that will be vital to our growth. Along with a Men’s Ministry that we want to get out into the community to help those in need to show them the hands and feet of Jesus and to be a Matthew 25 church.
