Rick Walston was born and raised in Illinois near St. Louis, MO. He accepted Jesus as Lord at age 8 and committed himself to vocational ministry at age 15. He was active in First Christian Church at Wood River until leaving for Lincoln Christian College in 1971. At LCC, he majored in Church Growth and World Mission (A.B. ’75). He continued in the Seminary, studying Pastoral Care and Counseling (M.Div. ’79). He received his D.Min. in June 2001 from Ashland Theological Seminary. His doctoral project focused on parent training.

In twenty years of preaching ministry (1975-1996), Rick served three churches, one rural (Literberry, IL) and two suburban (Bedford, MA, and Barberton, OH). In all of these locations, he honed his skills in preaching, teaching, and dealing with people’s needs. His experience included solo ministry, co-ministry and multiple staff.

From 1996-2010, Rick was Professor of Christian Ministry at Crossroads College in Rochester, Minnesota. He also became Vice President of Academics in 2002. During those years, Rick was active as an elder, teacher, and small group leader. He also did extensive supply preaching, workshops and seminars for churches.

He serves as a member of the board of Restoration House Ministries and the Continuation Committee of the North American Christian Convention.

Rick and Dorothy have three grown children and four grandchildren.