Rick Ezell, of Naperville, Ill., has been called as pastor of First Baptist Church, Greer, according to a press release from the church.
He is the the 23rd pastor in the 125-year history of the church. He begins his duties Sept. 10.
Rick EzellEzell, along with his wife Cindy and daughter Bailey, comes from Naperville, Ill., where he served as pastor of Naperville Baptist Church for 18 years.
He grew up in Alabama. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Samford University, a master of divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a master of theology degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served as an adjunct professor at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ezell has written six books that have been published by InterVarsity Press and Kregal Resources. His books include: “Sightings of the Savior: Meeting Jesus When We Need Him Most,” “Defining Moments: How God Shapes Our Character Through Crisis,” and “The Seven Sins of Highly Defective People.”
He has also authored more than 300 articles that have been published in Focus on the Family, Home Life, Decision, Leadership and other resources. His sermons have appeared in Preaching Today, a monthly resource produced by Leadership and Christianity Today.
He has been a speaker and a lecturer at such events as the Lifeway National Conference for Church Leadership.