Faith. Family. Rural Ministry. A Gospel Story Still Being Written.
Welcome, friend. I’m Pastor Rich Bitterman, a rural Missouri pastor with a heart for Jesus, small churches, and the people who make them feel like home. This page is a glimpse into my journey from business owner to small-town preacher and how the Lord’s grace has led me every step of the way.
Pastor Rich Bitterman is the author of the No. 1 most-read Baptist Press story of 2025, a recognition that reflects his commitment to faithful, Christ-centered writing that serves the church and points readers to the truth of God’s Word.
My Story
Before stepping into full-time ministry, I spent nearly two decades running a successful business in the Kansas City area. I loved building things, solving problems, and serving people. But in the second half of my life, God stirred something deeper in me—a call to preach the Word and shepherd His people.
I received my Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and my Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies from Spurgeon College. Today, I have the joy and privilege of serving as the pastor of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church in Galena, MO, right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks.
It’s a small church down a gravel road, but don’t let the size fool you. It’s full of faith, family, and love for God’s Word.
In addition to pastoring Cedar Ridge Baptist Church, I’m a published author with articles featured in Baptist Press, The Pathway (Missouri Baptist Convention), Kentucky Today, Gateway Pundit, Thinke, Christian Grandfather Magazine, The Aquila Report, and Media on Mission. I write to connect biblical truth with real-life stories…often drawn from the hills of the Missouri Ozarks…hoping to encourage believers and strengthen the church one word at a time.
Family & Everyday Life
I’ve been married to my best friend and encourager for over 30 years. My wife and I have two daughters—Haley and Sydney—who both teach in Missouri’s public schools. I’m also a proud grandfather to three grandsons and one granddaughter, who bring joy (and a bit of noise) to every visit.
When I’m not preaching, pastoring, or writing, you’ll find me gardening, fishing Canadian shield lakes, reading Tozer and Lloyd-Jones, or spending time with our two energetic yorkies, Louie and Gus.
What I’m Passionate About
Whether I’m behind the pulpit or behind a keyboard, my passion is the same: to preach Christ, build up the saints, and make much of the gospel in rural communities that are often overlooked.
I write daily devotions verse-by-verse through the Psalms, create resources for churches, and share thoughts on pastoral ministry, discipleship, and the beauty of simple church life. If you’re a fellow pastor, church leader, or just someone seeking gospel encouragement, you’re in the right place.
In addition to pastoring Cedar Ridge Baptist Church, I am available to speak for churches, retreats, conferences, men’s events, and other ministry gatherings. If you would like to learn more or inquire about booking, please visit my Invite Pastor Rich to Speak page.
Support My Ministry
If you’ve been blessed by the writing or resources here, I invite you to support this ministry through my Buy Me a Coffee page. Every small gift helps fuel this mission—whether it’s writing content, consulting churches on social media, or recording devotionals for the week ahead.
Let’s Stay Connected
Thanks for stopping by and spending a moment with me here. I’d love to connect further:
👉 Read my latest blog post
👉 Subscribe to my Substack newsletter
👉 Follow me on Twitter
And as always—if you’re ever near Galena, MO, I’d love for you to visit Cedar Ridge Baptist Church. We’ll have a spot saved for you on the pew.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is Pastor Rich Bitterman?
A1: Pastor Rich Bitterman is a conservative evangelical pastor serving in the Missouri Ozarks. He pastors Cedar Ridge Baptist Church, a small rural Southern Baptist congregation. He’s passionate about preaching Scripture verse by verse, sharing deep pastoral insights, and encouraging believers through both local ministry and digital platforms like Twitter and Substack.
Q2: What kind of content can I find on this website?
A2: This site features sermon manuscripts, devotional blog posts, Bible study guides, and reflections that dig deeply into Scripture. The focus is on helping Christians grow in faith, understand God’s Word better, and live out biblical truths in daily life.
Q3: How does Pastor Rich approach Bible teaching?
A3: Pastor Rich emphasizes verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, aiming for clarity, theological depth, and practical application. His style is conversational and pastoral, inviting readers into a face-to-face experience with God’s Word.
Q4: How can I follow Pastor Rich’s ministry online?
A4: You can follow Pastor Rich on Twitter (@w_bitterman), subscribe to his Substack newsletter “Old Paths & New Roads,” and visit this website regularly for new content and updates.
Q5: Can I use Pastor Rich’s content for my own Bible study or church group?
A5: Yes! Pastor Rich encourages believers to share and use his sermon manuscripts, devotionals, and study guides for personal growth or church teaching. Please credit the source when sharing and link back to by blog (www.richbitterman.com).
Q6: How can I support this ministry?
A6: You can support Pastor Rich’s ministry by subscribing to his paid content on Substack, sharing his articles on social media, and praying for the work of the gospel in the Missouri Ozarks and beyond.
Q7: Why is rural ministry important to Pastor Rich?
A7: Rural ministry is close to Pastor Rich’s heart because small churches often face unique challenges but have a deep love for Christ and community. He believes God is working powerfully in these places and wants to encourage pastors and believers in rural settings.