As a Christian minister, Chaplain Richard has been a pastor to congregations and couples across the country and overseas. 

“I would love to get to know each of you getting married and help you build the wedding ceremony that would realize your dreams. I have extensive experience with a wide variety of Christian backgrounds and spiritual journeys. I seek to really see you where you are and celebrate your unique life stories and relationship.”

Chaplain Richard served two decades on three continents, as a Protestant Chaplain in the United States Air Force. He then became Dean of Students and pursued campus ministry at the college where he had met his wife. Following that he founded and led a non-profit that explored contemporary practices of Bible study, spiritual growth, and faith community through in-person and Zoom conferences as well as social media.

     He and his wife now live in Orange County near their adult children and three young grandchildren. Throughout his ministry, he has built bridges between different religious groups and individual faiths around the world. During this time, he has also helped couples enrich their marriage and overcome their differences by leading over 40 weekend marriage retreats. 

In southern California, he has spoken at the Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise Service; Robert Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral; Michael Beckwith’s Agape International Spiritual Center; The Dennis Prager Radio Show on KABC radio; and The Muslim Center in Los Angeles. 

Chaplain Richard graduated from Boston University’s School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree and a focus on early Christianity. He pursued doctoral studies in adult spirituality at San Francisco School of Theology. 

 

Fun Facts

Favorite Quote: “Never trust [a] spiritual leader who cannot dance.”               Mr Miyagi in The Next Karate Kid movie

Favorite Ice Cream Flavors: Phish Food and Cherry Garcia from Ben and Jerry’s

Soundtrack to your life: “Room at the Table” by Carrie Newcomer (watch the video on YouTube)

Favorite Disney Movie: “The Lion King”

Favorite Event Memory: Working as the consultant with southern California based Maranatha Music to produce I Will Be With You, a primarily music-based audio cassette. One hundred thousand copies were distributed free to help soldiers deal with the stress of combat while serving in The First Gulf War (1991). We heard from so many about the difference it made. 

Your Nickname: Chaplain D