{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The SOBC Pod","title":"Don’t Retire from the Mission: Rick’s Story of Faith, Calling, and Joy","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3266,"description":"What does it look like to follow Christ faithfully into retirement—and beyond?In this episode of the SOBC Pod, Craig sits down with Rick to hear his story of faith, work, and the surprising ways God reshaped his life. From a successful career in church insurance to a season of deep personal conviction, Rick shares how God shifted his identity from achievement to surrender.Rick opens up about his upbringing, marriage, and family, and how he and Blanca found Stone Oak Bible Church. He also shares how a pivotal moment at age 60 forced him to confront his identity, leading to a renewed commitment to Christ as Lord, not just Savior.Now in retirement, Rick is more active in ministry than ever- discipling men, leading Bible studies, and intentionally engaging people in everyday life. His story is a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not something we retire from, but something we grow deeper into.Topics covered:Rick’s background, marriage, and family lifeGrowing up Catholic and coming to faith in ChristHow Rick and Blanca found Stone Oak Bible ChurchRick’s role as a deacon, men’s ministry leader, and assimilation leaderThe unexpected launch of the men’s ministry during COVIDLessons from 25+ years working with churches and pastorsThe danger of finding identity in career successA pivotal moment at age 60 that reshaped Rick’s faithWhat it means to truly make Christ Lord of your lifeLearning to listen to God and spend intentional time in His WordHow retirement became a season of deeper purpose, not restThe importance of discipleship and investing in othersLiving with intentionality in everyday moments (even neighborhood walks)Why Christians never truly retire from their calling","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/fhGCHON049VUgpCtiW6Aa13qfhaucjTo-WCM7muRccA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80NDZk/YjU1N2UxMjU1MDVj/ODc2NGE1MWQ2OTY2/MWVmOC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}