Richard is a native Texan who grew up in Devine, Texas on a small farm and ranch. After graduating from Devine High School he attended McMurry University, a United Methodist Liberal Arts School in Abilene, Texas. He graduated in 1980 with a degree in Religion and a minor in Psychology and English.
Richard married the love of his life Ruth in June of 1980 and after their honeymoon the Young’s moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, so Richard could pursue a Master of Divinity Degree at Asbury Theological Seminar. After Graduation in May of 1983, Richard was appointed to First United Methodist Church in Del Rio, Texas, as associate pastor with ministry focus in youth and evangelism. Over His 33 years of service as an Elder in the United Methodist Church Richard and Ruth have served God together in ministry in Del Rio, Sterling City, Cuero, Corpus Christi, Marble Falls, Uvalde, Universal City , and Wimberley.
Richard has been involved in leadership in conference youth camps, College Campus Ministries, numerous Emmaus and Chrysalis walks, as well as many years on the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and District Committees on Ordained Ministry.
In the local churches that Richard has served, he has lead church in size from 150 members to just over a 1000 members. In those appointments he has been involved in 4 building projects and numerical and spiritual growth of his congregations.
Pastor Young has been very involved everywhere he has ministered within the local community. He has been a leader in Ministerial Alliance programs, Homeless Ministries, Border Mission Ministries, Health Care Ministries, Lion’s Clubs, Community support committees for local schools, Out Reach Programs for the Elderly and Homebound, Volunteer Hospital Chaplain, and various other areas of discipleship for Christ.
Richard and Ruth have been happily married for almost 37 years. They strive to be partners not just in marriage, but in ministry for Jesus Christ. They are blessed and gifted by God with 5 amazing children. 4 Daughters, Dorothy, Kristin, Mercy, and Angela. And one son William.
They also have 3 son in laws, Brian, Ian, and Kenny. And 1 granddaughter, 3 1/2 years old Annebelle who fills there life with joy and adventure. Their children range in age from 33 years of age to 22. As the Psalmist put it so appropriately, “Blessed is the man, whose quiver is full.” Psalms 127:5
When not laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, Richard likes to read, cooking, sing, surf the net, watch old movies, hike, and canoe, go camping, and playing with his granddaughter.
Pastor Young is blessed to be in ministry with the Holy Spirit for the sake of the advancement of God’s Kingdom in Jesus Christ!
Richard served churches in Del Rio, Sterling City, Cuero, Corpus Christi, Marble Falls, Uvalde, Universal City and now Wimberley Texas.