For more than 25 years, the local church has played an important role in Rick and Luann’s spiritual growth and preparation for ministry. Through different seasons, God placed pastors, teachers, ministry leaders, and fellow believers in their lives who challenged them to grow while opening doors to serve and lead. Those years taught them the value of being actively involved in the life of the church—not simply as leaders, but as believers continuing to learn, serve, and grow alongside others.
During their 16 years in Young Harris, Georgia, Rick led men’s ministry for several years and later served as an ordained deacon in their church in Hiawassee. Luann served in children’s and women’s ministries, including special needs Sunday School, AWANA, Children’s Church, Bible study, and church-wide Sunday School leadership. Together, they also co-led high school Sunday School and participated in ministry that reached beyond the walls of the church—supporting Special Olympics, providing Thanksgiving and Christmas for families in need, leading missions fundraising, and developing Courageous Dads, a faith-based community initiative Rick designed and led to encourage fathers to be present and take an active leadership role in their children’s lives.
Throughout these years, some of their greatest growth came simply from being part of the church. Rick and Luann intentionally spent years learning from pastors, teachers, ministry leaders, and believers a generation ahead of them. Luann attended women’s Bible studies led by mature women of faith who deepened her understanding of Scripture and modeled what it looked like to faithfully teach and disciple others. Over time, opportunities naturally grew from learning from others to teaching and investing in others. That pattern continues today as Rick leads one-on-one and small-group discipleship and teaches Life Group and men’s groups, while Luann facilitates Bible studies and invests in women through teaching and discipleship.
These experiences were never a plan for building an organization. They were opportunities to learn, grow, serve, lead, and eventually help others do the same. Over time, God used years of involvement in the local church and community to shape many of the values that would later become part of Stand With Purpose—a commitment to discipleship, faithful service, intentional leadership, community engagement, and serving alongside the local church.
Many of these years of ministry happened before every moment was captured on a phone. The photos may be few, but the relationships, lessons, and experiences became an important part of our story.