Louisville—A LifeWay Church Resources consultant with a strong ministry background is joining the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s team of regional consultants charged with strengthening congregations.

Rick Howerton will serve in the south-central region based in Bowling Green, where he once served as the Western Kentucky University campus minister for the Kentucky Baptist Convention. He will begin his new duties on July 16.

“In my present role, I fly into a given location, give a presentation, consult a church, or speak at an event, and move on to the next location,” he said. “It would be a great honor to walk alongside some pastors and church leaders and connect relationally while making a kingdom difference together.”

Howerton was founding pastor of The Bridge, a Southern Baptist church plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. He worked for LifeWay from 2000 through 2010 and again beginning in 2014. He also worked for NavPress Christian Publishing in Colorado Springs from 2010 through 2013.

“Rick has vast experience as a consultant through LiveWay and NavPress,” said Steve Rice, leader of KBC’s Church Consulting and Revitalization Team. “Rick traveled all over America consulting SBC churches of all sizes. He is known to be a leading voice in several key areas of church life.”

Over the years, Howerton also has served as KBC campus minister at Northern Kentucky University, as associate teaching pastor at Living Hope Baptist Church in Bowling Green, and in a variety of other ministry roles. He has a lengthy list of published works, including books, Bible studies and articles.

“Rick understands churches of all sizes and demographics,” said Bruce Raley, executive pastor at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn.

“He grew up in small churches, planted a church, and also served on a large church staff. Therefore, he is uniquely qualified to speak to various pastors and church leaders.”

Raley said Howerton understands there is not a “one-way-fits-everyone” method of ministry. “He has strategic skills that can help a pastor understand his context and culture and develop a ministry plan from there,” Raley said.

Scott Kilgore, senior associate pastor at Crossland Community Church, said Howerton has a heart for others and a desire to draw them closer to the Lord.

“I know everyone is unique, but there is a special uniqueness to Rick Howerton,” Kilgore said. “His gifts, his commitment to his calling, his empathic heart, and his pure devotion to the Lord make him an exceptional leader, an exceptional co-worker and an exceptional servant of our Lord.” (KT)