Welcome New Pastor David Rike on Sunday, June 17, 2018
Pastor David Rike joins Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Fox Chapel on June 17, 2018. He is originally from Dayton, Ohio and graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Music degree. He earned his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 2001 and was ordained in 2002. Pastor Rike previously served Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rothsville, Pennsylvania; Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania; and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Pastor Rike will reside in the Fox Chapel area with his wife, Tonya, and their daughters, Cecilia and Sophia.
Pastor Q&A: Getting to Know Pastor David Rike
When and how did you know you wanted to be a pastor?
As a child, I was always interested in church. I admired the pastors I knew and wanted to be just like them. When I was in 8th grade, my pastor asked if I had ever considered the call to ordained ministry. That question set me on the path of discerning if God was truly calling me to become a pastor. That sense of call was confirmed by the church through the candidacy process and when I was ordained, after being called by a specific congregation – Trinity in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.
What attracted you to Good Shepherd Church of Fox Chapel?
My first impression of Good Shepherd was that the congregation has a fantastic website. Then I had a FaceTime conversation with the call committee. After that initial interview, I could see the people at Good Shepherd know how to have a good time together. I was also impressed by the number of children at Good Shepherd.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“For God has done what the law, weakened by flesh, could not do: by sending His own Son…” (Romans 8:3)
Is there a specific pastoral duty that you particularly enjoy?
Teaching is the aspect of ministry I enjoy most and find energizing. However, in the past I have also spent large amounts of time visiting as well as engaging in planning/administration. I think preaching is the most important thing I do.
You have a degree in music; what instruments do you play?
My primary instrument in college was the pipe organ, but I also took voice lessons. I played baritone in the Falcon marching band my freshman year.
Do you have a favorite musical style, song, and artist?
Without question, J. S. Bach is the musician I find most inspiring; some Lutherans have called him the 5th evangelist because of the way his music proclaims the Gospel. Among classical composers, I also like Mendelssohn, Percy Grainger, Holst, and Mozart. My knowledge of more contemporary music is a bit limited.
What hobbies do you pursue?
I enjoy cooking.
What’s your favorite food?
Whatever happens to be in front of me at the moment…well, that might not be true all the time.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Years ago, I went to a NASCAR race at Dover. Also (unrelated to that), the comic relief in our household is to break out into disco tunes.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I think that last answer says it all.