Rev. Rich Denning serves as senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church. He was born on June 18th, 1964 at the old Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. As a child he primarily lived in Raleigh and “out in the country” near Coats, NC where his family roots are strong on both his mother and father’s sides of the family. When he was 12 he moved to Atlantic Beach, NC and graduated from West Carteret High School in 1983.
He accepted the sacrificial death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and placed his total trust in Him as Savior and Lord on April 14th, 1991. After making the decision to follow the Master, "Jesus", he became involved in Glad Tidings Church located in Morehead City, North Carolina.
In January of 1992 he moved to Raleigh and joined the Capital Church in Garner. For almost a year Bro. Rich struggled with the call to preach that was upon his life. It was during a revival service at the Capital Church that he received a confirmation from the Lord and surrendered totally to preach the Word of God. In 1994, he enrolled at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia. He graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1996. He continued his studies at Emmanuel College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pastoral Ministries in 1998. During his first year at Emmanuel College he served part-time as a Children's Pastor for Beulah Church in Elberton, GA. In 1997, he served as an intern at Glad Tidings PHC in Morehead City and in 1998 at Franklin Springs PHC in Franklin Springs, GA.
After graduating from Emmanuel College he served as youth pastor at the Smyrna Church in Smyrna, North Carolina. He received an offer to serve as the associate pastor of the Christian Heritage Church in Greer, South Carolina and was given the opportunity to attend seminary. He attended Erskine Theological Seminary located in Due West, South Carolina where he furthered his Biblical training. For two years he served as pastor at Selma Pentecostal Holiness Church located in Selma, North Carolina. In August 2003, he moved to Morehead City, NC, joined Open Door Baptist Church and was hired as youth and music pastor in September 2003. He served in this position until December 2004 at which time he became the pastor of CrossPointe Community Church in Newport, NC. He was the pastor of CrossPointe for four years. In February 2009, he became the pastor at Island Road Baptist Church, in Beaufort, NC.
Bro. Rich is currently licensed and ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister. He is transferring into the North Carolina Conference United Methodist Church and is recognized as having full orders. Trinity-Olivet is his first United Methodist appointment. He holds teaching certification from the Evangelical Training Association and he is certified as a teacher/trainer through Evangelism Explosion International. His theological heroes are Martin Luther and John Wesley. His personal core values are (1) REDEMPTION - the salvation of lost souls, (2) RESTORATION - the healing of broken lives and (3) REJOICING - freedom of worship. He comes with much excitement and love for people.
His purpose statement: “I believe that God has divinely called me to preach the gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ and I am committed to exalting God and restoring lives.” His personal motto is, “It is not about me and what I want but about others and who they need (Jesus).” His favorite quote is, “The Bible is not boring, people are boring. Do not bore the people with the Bible” (Dr. Howard Hendricks, Dallas Theological Seminary). His favorite passage of Scripture is Ephesians 2:8-9.
Bro. Rich has a house at the coast in Newport, NC. He is committed to a lifetime calling of preaching the Bible and ministering to those who are in need. He has three children: Hope (24), Will (13) and Jonathan (12). His mother, a dear saint, died of brain cancer in 2003. His father, Art and step-mother, Jody, reside in Newport, NC. He has one sibling, a sister. Vicki, who has had many health battles, now lives in a nursing home in Newport as well.
His hobbies include; reading (non-fiction), walking, boating, visiting historical sites, riding his motorcycle and most importantly spending time with his two boys when they come visit. His favorite TV show is: “Andy Griffith.” His favorite foods are: steak, NC style BBQ, Mexican and pizza!
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Rev. Rich Denning, Pastor
