Contemplative Prayer at a Baptist Church? Sure, it’s something Rick Qualls did not learn at seminary but has transformed his ministry.
Rick is a small town pastor with deep desire to know the Lord more fully, and contemplative prayer is just one practice that has helped both him and his First Baptist Church.
Rick is not an author or scholar rather calls himself an average pastor in an average church. But after four decades of faithful service he has much wisdom to share.
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Synopsis
Pastor Rick Qualls says a congregation can’t grow closer to God unless its leader does. After celebrating 26 years at First Baptist Church, Chanute, Kansas, Rick says he’s done just that. In this interview we hear some sound advice from a seasoned professional. Here are my notes from the interview:
Two Services… at the Same Time?
Every Sunday morning the 10:23 worship service begins in the gym and the 10:30am worship service begins in the sanctuary. The first is contemporary, the second is traditional – and Rick preaches at both. He’s tried all sorts of configurations, hear why this one works.
Learn About Boundaries
Rick says it’s the number one bit of advice he’d pass on to church leaders. After nearly burning out early on, the balance he’s developed leaves him wishing he could do another 30 years of ministry.
Can’t Pray Enough
An admitted late comer to contemplative prayer, Rick says he could spend hours in prayer – and this has made him and his congregation stronger.
About Rick Qualls
Rick Qualls is a lifelong pastor, serving churches in Red Oak Iowa, Ottumwa, Iowa, and First Baptist Chanute Kansas where he just celebrated 26 years. First Baptist is a traditional Baptist church with a sense of community ministry, acceptance of others, and humility that allows ministries to become genuinely ecumenical. Their after-school ministry, staffed by volunteers, serves 125 children daily. Now supported by the community, including buildings costing approximately $500,000, it has been a model for other communities in starting after-school programs.
Another ministry, the Fire-Escape Coffee House ministry, focuses on teens on the fringe of society and local junior college students. Christian bands are invited for concerts. The Coffee House also hosts a low-watt Christian radio station which can be heard on the Internet and is entirely community supported.
Married to Nancy for 38 years, the Qualls have three married children and 3 grandchildren.
Books Rick Recommends
Spiritual Exercises – St. Ignatius
The Dark Night of the Soul - St. John of the Cross
The Book of Pastoral Rule – Gregory the Great
