Passion-driven pastor, speaker and former broadcaster that loves to teach and challenge people to, "think outside the box".
Rich Bontrager is a husband, father, teacher, dreamer and “uncivilized Jesus follower” that has been serving as the visionary leader and pastor of Journey Church in Rochester, Minnesota since 2004. Rich currently serves and teaches “faith and spirituality” in several recovery / halfway houses in the area. Journey Church is known for reaching young adults, as well as the extremely marginalized and broken people of society. Currently, over 80% of the people attending Journey have been or are in a recovery / halfway home. Rich is a church planter at heart and has a dream of seeing more churches planted along Interstate I-90 (MN & Iowa). In 2009, Journey planted the Crux Church (Faribault, MN), and in the fall of 2011, Journey gave birth to New Life Community Church (Stewartville, MN). Rich loves speaking about boldly making an impact in the world today for Christ, and living as modern day disciples.
In 2010, Journey opened up the Uturn Coffeehouse & Event Center which was an extension of the dream to reach and serve the city of Rochester and the outcasts of society. Uturn is know as “Rochester’s Exciting Safe and Sober Place”. Each week Uturn is host to a variety of events and activities which allow friends, families, teens and college students, along with those reentering society, while finding spiritual help and guidance. Uturn is a safe place, where the love of God can be practically shown, just as Jesus did with the woman at the well. Uturn is sustained by weekly events, rentals and generous donations and is run by a committed group of volunteers from various churches and organizations.
Rich and his wife, Cyndi, are the proud parents of three daughters Abbi, Sarah and Hannah. They have committed themselves and all they have to living an “uncivilized life for Christ.”
Rich speaks from his heart and shares personal stories that will inspire and challenge people of all ages. If you’re looking for someone to ignite a fire at your next convention, retreat, seminar or youg adult event, contact Rich.
Topics
CREATING YOUR LIFE STORY (Filling in the blank pages of your life)
For many people life is a depressing book, or a horror story that never seems to end. But the truth is that life is actually an awarding winning novel awaiting to be written, told and shared. Our lives our filled with amazing plot twist and turns along with amazing characters.
Rich not only shares his own personal story but helps you find the meaning, purpose and theme of your life. This program is filled with exciting stories, imagery, and an experience that helps people dream and begin actually living the life they were meant to live. This is not simply feel good motivational message, but rather one based on timeless truths as found in the scriptures and real life.
If you would like more information on this exciting program, contact Rich today.
*** This program can be adapted to meet the size of your group, seminar, retreat, or school setting.
DISCIPLESHIP JESUS WAY (Being a disciple, not simply a Christian)
Jesus did not call us to go make Christians, but rather go make disciples. Biblical discipleship is highly personal and requires nothing less than all of you. But what you gain as you more boldly and passionately follow Jesus makes it all worth it.
In this program Rich lays our first century biblical principles that Jesus used to transform 12 ordinary men into deeply devoted disciples that help change history and the world. This is not just a “how to seminary”, this is an exploration of what Jesus taught and did and how we can actually apply to our lives and churches today.
This can be done in one or two sessions, or split up into smaller sessions. This can be presented in a large stage setting or small interactive groups.
BREAK FREE ( Living a full life after addiction)
A real full life is still possible to those that have or who are struggling with addiction and the pains that come with that life. Life is not over and in fact, given time and the willingness to get real with the issues that really cause your addiction, you can live a whole and complete life.
THIS IS A MESSAGE OF HOPE & HEALING!
Rich shares real life stories along with practical insights from those that he has worked with and ministered too. Often people in addiction do not feel whole, but once they find out what they are missing (emotionally, physically, & spiritually), they can get real and put the missing pieces of life back together.
Rich believes deeply in helping people recover and really live fully free lives.
If you are interested in learning more about this presentation, contact Rich today.
EVEN IF (Living a life of no compromise)
This talk lays out practical life principles to help people stand firm with their belief, values and convictions in a society that asks people to compromise.
This talk is good for all ages. (adults & teens).
Contact Rich about having him present this valuable life-lesson message.