Rick Hassell’s goal as associational missionary for the Rocky Bayou Baptist Association (RBBA) is “to help pastors understand and pursue God’s vision for their ministry and leadership.”
“RBBA exists to promote, support and be a resource to the local church as they seek to fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. By responding to local church needs and through coordinating multi-church ministry events, we help our churches engage their communities with the gospel and the love of God,” Hassell said.
The association has continuing ministries to children, youth, women, benevolence, and a long-time presence in Peru. Annually, Hassell said they seek God’s leading in evangelistic and disciple making ministries as well as outreach opportunities, locally and elsewhere. Additionally, the association is rebuilding their disaster relief unit.
Most recently, Hassell said they had 33 student interns serve at two of their 2023 children’s camps.
“This intentional disciple making strategy not only helped develop future leaders, but I believe was instrumental in the effective sharing of the gospel,” Hassell said.
Hassell started serving with RBBA in October 2018, following the late S.D. Hacker, a friend and mentor. He serves alongside RBBA Ministry Assistant Gail Hawkins, who is a pastor’s wife and the leader of RBBA Women’s Ministry.
Hassell has been in ministry since 1974. He served in a bi-vocational capacity for 35 of his 49 years in ministry. A Texas native, Hassell made his first ministry assignment in Arkansas as a pastor in Current-Gaines Baptist Association from 1997 to 2006.
“My first multi-church, association engaged mission trip was in 1972. Multi-church ministry has been the recurrent theme throughout my ministry. While seeking God’s next position in 2018, God led me to call the RBBA Office. Through that call I learned of the position and was called by the Association to start in this position within a few weeks,” Hassell said.
Hassell and his wife, Melinda, have three children who are married and live in Arkansas. They have 15 grandchildren.
For more information about RBBA, click here.