Ministry Administration & Finding God's Purpose - Dr. Rick Barker | Theology, Things & Stuff #019

J. Christopher McMichael was privileged to be raised in a Christian home, attending church his entire life. He surrendered his life to the Lord as a child while at a summer Baptist youth camp in the mountains of Tennessee. As a teenager on his first missions trip, he began to recognize the call of God to ministry. He earned a degree in earth sciences from Tennessee Tech University and enjoyed a successful career as a geologist in geotechnical engineering and mining. In 2007, he and his wife Manda were installed as the pastors of Engrafted Word Church while continuing to consult as a geologist for the next thirteen years. Today, Chris’ focus in solely on the church and world missions. After authoring six books and learning the ins and outs of book publishing, he launched Petra Press Publishing in 2023, with the goal of helping pastors and ministers publish their God-inspired work with the highest standard possible. Chris and his wife have three children they love raising in Tennessee.

With nearly 30 years of ministry experience and a Doctorate of Ministry in Theology, Dr. Rick Barker is a gifted and anointed Bible teacher. Throughout his ministry, he has served as an associate pastor, church planter, leadership trainer, and lead pastor. He has developed small-group ministries, trained ministry leaders, and overseen the ministry of helps within the local church. By the grace of God, Dr. Barker has overcome painful challenges in his own life and ministry. Today, he teaches others how to avoid the pitfalls that can cause church leaders to crash and burn. His journey has ignited a passion to champion discipleship within the Body of Christ and to equip pastors with the tools and resources they need to build strong, healthy local churches. Dr. Barker currently resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, Amy. Together, they devote their lives to discipling others and helping believers discover their worth and purpose in the Kingdom of God.