Servant Leaders

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13

At The Pursuit, we follow a Biblical philosophy of leadership.

The Bible teaches us that our authority over anyone as a Christian is a position of servitude.

In John’s account of the last supper, Jesus does something so highly unexpected for the culture of that day.

The scriptures of John 13:3-5 state:

“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.”

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13

Less than 24 hours before His crucifixion, we find Jesus modeling one of the greatest examples of a servant. So what did Jesus do? He immediately humbled himself and served by washing the disciples feet, something that was culturally reserved for the lowest of slaves.

The leaders and staff at The Pursuit have a heart for serving others…it’s the only way because it’s the biblical way.

Pastor Rick

Servant Staff

pastor Rick

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Rick Wood joyfully serves as the Pastor at The Pursuit. He has a great love for God and a passion to see people grow in their faith.

Born and raised in the very humble surroundings of Brooklyn, New York, he has served many years in the military where his travels have taken him to numerous locations including overseas.

His more than three decades of ministry experience include planting a church in Japan in 1988, one in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1995 and now here in Texas.

His ministry time in Hawaii has allowed him to oversee the entire Pacific region, which consisted of churches in Saipan, Tinian and the early stages of a new church in Guam.

He has served as a Deacon, Elder, Associate/Assistant Pastor, Senior Pastor, conference and workshop speaker for numerous events.

Pastor Rick deploys a servant-leader style of leadership. He has an immense fervor for spiritual leadership and has been called upon to encourage and assist in developing ministry leaders in various churches.

One of his favorite bible verses is Matthew 20:26-28…the latter part which reads “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.”

He is adamant about challenging people in their faith and teaching the scriptures in a very simple, exciting and applicable way. His teaching will touch your head, your heart and your funny-bone all at the same time!

Rick is a graduate of Liberty University and Masters International University of Divinity. He enjoys a good book, a good movie and a good game of racquetball.

He is married to Tess, his beautiful bride of over 34 years. Together God has used them to assist numerous couples with the challenges of marriage.

They have three adult children and two grandchildren…all of them actively serve in their gifted area of ministry at The Pursuit along with their families.

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Servant Staff

“The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” Ephesians 4:11

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us…” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

YOUR EDUCATION?

“Bachelors in Psychology w/minor in Communications, Dallas Baptist Univ.”

HOW DID YOU COME TO THE LORD?

“I gave my life to Christ when I was 15 years old after moving to Texas. I was at a low point in my life and knew that the best thing to do would be to surrender all that I am.”

OUTSIDE OF CHURCH, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?

“Quality time with family and friends means the world to me. I love watching and playing sports (mainly football – go Eagles!).”

ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:

“I’m married to my beautiful wife Ashlee and we have a son- Eli,”

FUN FACT?

“I grew up in Hawaii and lived there for twelve years.”

YOUR FAVORITE…

MUSIC-

“Hillsong, Bethel, Travis Greene, Jesus Culture”

FOOD/RESTAURANT(S)-

“Steak, steak and steak!”

BOOK(S)

“The Bible!”

“The Lord is my light & my salvation. Whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1

YOUR EDUCATION?

“Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish/Education, Lubbock Christian University

HOW DID YOU COME TO THE LORD?

” I was led to Jesus through the Miller’s. They were a family that introduced me to Christ when I was a teenager.”

OUTSIDE OF CHURCH, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO

” I enjoy Game Night and also enjoy spending time with Family and my children.”

ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:

“Wife- Michelle and ; Daughters: Addy, Zoë, Mila – 2; Son: Abram”

FUN FACT?

“I LOVE drawing and painting!”

YOUR FAVORITE…

MUSIC-

“The Blues.”

FOOD/RESTAURANT(S)-

“ALL food!!!”

BOOKS-

“Christian or comic books.”

“In Him we live & move & have our being.” Acts 17:28

Your Education
Associates in Business Management and Medical Front 0ffice Administration

How did you come to the Lord?
Hardship and difficulties of this life brought my heart to our Savior! Surrendered life open doors of God’s Power within me that really pushed me to desire more of knowing Him and having the heart that’s always longing after Him unveiled a tremendous blessings that keeps me going until to this very day.

What do you like to do outside of church?
I’m a nature lover any place that can relax me ( beach, nature scenery). Shopping (like to bargain)

Family
I was blessed to have a family who loves the Lord! Richard (a.k.a. Ptr Rick) Kitty Girl ( a.k.a. Tavane) Rhickie Boy ( my one and only son) and my Kai- Kai ( a.k. a. Keisha)

Fun Fact
Ask my family

Favorites

Music – Anything that remind me and exult our God… that worship His Name
Food/Restaurants – Varieties of places and food depending on my mood!
Books – Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth ( Bible) and Christian Books

“The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.” Zeph 3:17 (CEV)

Your Education

BS in Psychology, Tarleton State University

How did you come to the Lord?

I re-created my own relationship with Christ when I was 19 years old, this was during a tribulation of mine.

What do you like to do outside of church?

Volunteer at Special Needs Events, outdoor activities, try different restaurants

Family

Rick, Tess, Rhickie (younger brother), Keisha (younger sister).

Fun Fact

I used to put skateboards together for a ‘living’ — this is also when I learned to long board. I still long board for fun until this day.

Favorites

Music – Acoustic versions of anything / gospel / jazz instrumentals

Food/Restaurants – Seafood everything! Sushi and Korean BBQ

Books – Almost anything with Poetry

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25 (NIV)

HOW DID YOU COME TO THE LORD?

“Growing up my family was Catholic & only attended church on Holidays or special events. I always believed in God & was always finding myself in prayer, however, I did not have an understanding of what it was to really know the Lord. It wasn’t until I found myself in a circumstance where there was nowhere else to turn that I truly sought after & found The Lord. I poured myself into learning more about Him, being involved in a healthy church & applying His Word to my life & circumstance & as much as that situation was heartbreaking & a critical point in my life, the Lord turned it around & made it beautiful all for His glory. After that point there was no turning back!”

OUTSIDE OF CHURCH, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?

”I enjoy Game Night and spending time with Family!”

ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:

“I am married to the love of my life, Mark & have 3 beautiful children: Adalyn, Abram & Zoe.”

FUN FACT?

“For those who know me this doesn’t come as a surprise but, I am not Hispanic – My mom is Caucasian and my dad is African American!”

YOUR FAVORITE…

MUSIC-

“Christian Music -all genres!”

FOOD OR RESTAURANT(S)-

“Authentic Mexican Food & Sushi!”

BOOKS-

“Bible based & life application studies!”

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV

HOW DID YOU COME TO THE LORD?

“I was 17 and had been in church since I was born. I sang in the youth choir, in the youth group, Church sports, even helped collect the offering but no relationship. I was on my way to school one morning and told God that I wanted to know more about him and not just going through the motions of what I was told I should be doing. The rest is history.”

YOUR EDUCATION?

Broward Community College, Business Administration

University of Miami, Small Business Entrepreneurship Program Certification

OUTSIDE OF CHURCH, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?

”Creating multiple streams of income and watching movies”

About your family:

Married to Cassandra Marshall

3 daughters – Telisha, Angela and Yolanda

FUN FACT?

“Camped out overnight at 7 Chic-Fil-A openings”

YOUR FAVORITE…

Music–

I love Gospel and Rhythm and Blues and Jazz.

Food/restaurants –

I love Soul food. I can’t name just one restaurant, I’m a foodie, too many places to name.

Books –

The Bible, What Matters Most (Tony Evans), Eat Mor Chikin Inspire More People (S. Truett Cathy)

Servant Leaders

Pastor Rick

Servant Staff

pastor Rick

Servant Staff

Rhickie Wood

Mark Hernandez

Marites Wood

Tavane Ramsey

Michelle Hernandez

leon marshall

David Holland

Name

Pastor Rick

Servant Staff