After over forty years of faithful ministry, Bishop Rick and Letha Whitter have announced their retirement from active full-time ministry, effective after the 80th General Assembly taking place this summer in Orlando, Florida. Their retirement will mark the end of a remarkable season of fruitful ministry, sacrifice, and spiritual impact. It also marks the beginning of a well-earned season of rest, reflection, and the freedom to enjoy ministry and family at the pace of their choosing.

The Whitters served the local church for 28 years in pastoral ministry in Minnesota and Florida before stepping into their current role as Administrative Bishop, where they served the churches of Minnesota, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and the great Commonwealth of Virginia. The same traits that made them authentic and caring local church pastors made them encouraging and effective shepherds to ministers and churches alike: a genuine love for people, a desire for healthy and life-giving ministers and congregations, and a heart for the Great Commission.

The Apostle Paul in his instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:1 said, “…If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (ESV). The work of ministry is a high calling with eternal influence. It requires a deep personal relationship with the Lord, a devotion to the Word of God, a love for people from all aspects of life, integrity, discipline, and a servant’s heart. These are the same characteristics the Whitters have shown consistently. Whether it is Sister Letha leading a women’s event, Bishop Whitter seeking to help a struggling pastor or congregation, or the two of them ministering and leading together in a Campmeeting service, they have modeled the "noble task" of ministering as overseers.

The Scriptures also teach us another important truth in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work…” (NIV).

Bishop Whitter and Sister Letha on behalf of the congregations and ministers of Virginia, thank you for your ministry, leadership, sacrifice, prayers, and love you have given to us throughout your tenure here. Thank you for your contributions to the larger Church. Thank you for being choice servants of the Lord. It is our prayer that in your next season, the Lord will bless you and keep you in all that you do. We ask the Heavenly Father to make His face shine upon you and give you grace for the new adventures and any unexpected turns your retirement may bring. May the Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you His peace that passes all understanding in every pursuit. May your retirement be marked by God’s presence and His joy, and always remember we love you.

Terry D. Swiney
Senior Pastor, Parkview Church of God

Honoring Bishop Rick and Letha Whitter Upon Their Retirement