Biblical, heartfelt preaching for churches, retreats, conferences, and ministry gatherings
Thank you for visiting. I’m Pastor Rich Bitterman, a rural Missouri pastor, Bible teacher, and writer with a deep love for Christ, His Word, and His church. I count it a privilege to preach and teach wherever the Lord opens a door.
My heart in every speaking opportunity is simple: to open the Scriptures clearly, exalt Jesus Christ faithfully, and encourage God’s people to stand firm in truth and walk closely with the Lord.
Whether I am preaching in a small country church, speaking at a men’s retreat, teaching an online Bible study, or encouraging pastors and church leaders, my desire is the same. I want people to leave with a greater love for Christ, a deeper confidence in God’s Word, and a clearer sense of how biblical truth meets real life.
About Pastor Rich
Pastor Rich Bitterman serves as pastor of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church in Galena, Missouri, in the heart of the Ozarks. Before entering full-time ministry, he spent nearly two decades as a business owner in the Kansas City area before the Lord called him to preach the Word and shepherd His people.
He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Spurgeon College.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Pastor Rich is a widely read Christian writer whose work has appeared in Baptist Press, The Pathway, Kentucky Today, Christian Grandfather Magazine, Media on Mission, and other Christian publications. One of his articles was recognized as the No. 1 most-read Baptist Press story of 2025.
Pastor Rich is especially passionate about expository preaching, rural ministry, biblical encouragement, discipleship, and helping ordinary Christians grow deep roots in the Word of God.
Speaking Topics
Pastor Rich is available to speak on a variety of biblical and ministry-related subjects, including:
Prayer and Spiritual Growth
Messages on prayer, dependence upon God, spiritual endurance, and walking closely with Christ in everyday life.
Discipleship and Christian Living
Practical, Scripture-saturated teaching on growing in holiness, standing firm in truth, and following Christ in a confused age.
Rural Ministry and the Local Church
Encouragement for small churches, rural pastors, and faithful believers laboring in overlooked places.
Men’s Events and Christian Manhood
Biblical teaching for men on faith, leadership, holiness, perseverance, family, and spiritual responsibility.
Cultural Issues Through a Biblical Lens
Thoughtful and convictional teaching that brings Scripture to bear on the moral, spiritual, and cultural challenges facing Christians today.
Pastoral Encouragement and Ministry Faithfulness
Messages designed to strengthen pastors, church leaders, and ministry workers in the work the Lord has given them.
Events Pastor Rich Is Available For
Pastor Rich is available for:
- Sunday worship services
- Revivals
- Bible conferences
- Men’s retreats and men’s breakfasts
- Pastor and church leader gatherings
- Banquets and special church events
- Online Bible studies and livestream events
- Podcast and interview guest appearances
What You Can Expect
When Pastor Rich speaks, you can expect:
- Christ-centered, Bible-saturated preaching
- Clear exposition with practical application
- A warm, pastoral, and conversational style
- Theological depth without unnecessary complexity
- A heart for the local church and ordinary believers
- Messages shaped by real pastoral ministry, not just theory
A Word About His Ministry
Pastor Rich pastors a small church down a rural road in the Missouri Ozarks, but his ministry reaches far beyond one place through writing, online teaching, and gospel-centered encouragement. His burden is for faithful Christianity that is rooted in Scripture, steady in doctrine, rich in grace, and unashamed of the truth.
He has a special heart for churches and believers in places the world often overlooks, and he believes deeply that God is still pleased to work through faithful preaching, ordinary churches, and the plain teaching of His Word.
Speaking Bio
Short Bio
Pastor Rich Bitterman is a pastor, Bible teacher, and writer based in the Missouri Ozarks. He serves as pastor of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church in Galena, Missouri, and is known for clear biblical preaching, pastoral warmth, and a deep love for the local church. His writing has appeared in Baptist Press, The Pathway, Kentucky Today, and other Christian publications, including the No. 1 most-read Baptist Press story of 2025.
Full Bio
Pastor Rich Bitterman is a rural Missouri pastor, Bible teacher, and Christian writer who serves as pastor of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church in Galena, Missouri. Before entering full-time ministry, he spent nearly two decades as a business owner in the Kansas City area before the Lord redirected the course of his life toward pastoral ministry.
He earned a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Spurgeon College. In addition to preaching and shepherding in the local church, he writes widely on Scripture, discipleship, pastoral ministry, prayer, and Christian living. His articles have appeared in Baptist Press, The Pathway, Kentucky Today, Christian Grandfather Magazine, Media on Mission, and other Christian outlets. One of his articles was recognized as the No. 1 most-read Baptist Press story of 2025.
Pastor Rich is passionate about expository preaching, rural ministry, and helping believers know Christ more deeply through His Word. He and his wife have been married for more than 30 years and are blessed with two daughters and four grandchildren.
Invitation to Churches and Event Hosts
If you are looking for a speaker for your church service, retreat, conference, men’s event, or ministry gathering, Pastor Rich would be honored to hear from you.
He is especially glad to serve churches, pastors, and ministry leaders who want faithful biblical preaching, heartfelt encouragement, and messages grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
Contact / Booking
To inquire about booking Pastor Rich for a speaking engagement, please reach out by email: rich.w.bitterman@gmail.com.
You may also want to include:
- Event name
- Event date
- Location
- Type of event
- Expected audience
- Requested speaking topic
- Honorarium or travel details if applicable
Thank you for considering Pastor Rich for your event. It would be a joy to serve your church or ministry and open the Word of God together.