Richard Villanueva

Youth Ministry

Responsibilities:
I oversee The Rock Youth Ministry and its 6 weekly youth services alongside my wife, Michelle. I am also responsible for the Youth Ministry Internship Program which develops young adults to be ready for ministry. I assist in teaching at The Rock School of Ministry as well.

Background:
I was born and raised in San Bernardino. I attended San Gorgonio High School, graduating with honors and earning a scholarship with the speech and debate team. From graduating high school, I gave the next two years of my life to an internship here at The Rock learning and being mentored in youth ministry. I am also a graduate of The Rock School of Ministry. My wife and I were married in November of 2002 and are looking forward to starting a family.

I’m happy to say that The Rock has been my only home church. I gave my heart to the Lord in 1997 and have grown up through The Rock Youth Ministry, being actively involved since I was 16 years old in the youth and children’s ministries. I began preaching at the age of 17 at homeless outreaches here in San Bernardino. While in high school, I formed an organization alongside 5 other high school teens that brought together 10 other school Christian clubs and put on an evangelical concert in Redlands that saw over 1,000 in attendance with more than 70 salvations. Throughout my internship at The Rock I traveled across the country and Canada assisting in youth outreaches with Pastor Eddie Elguera in addition to helping with The Rock Youth here at home. After graduating from TRSOM and my internship in 2002, I was asked to continue at The Rock and oversee The Rock Youth Internship Program, which has seen over 10 graduates who have all gone on to serve in full-time ministry or are succeeding in the professional workplace.

My passion is to see teens learn to enjoy God and embrace the call He has placed in their lives. My wife and I love to see people developed to their full potential.

Favorite Life Scripture:

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” - Philippians 3:12

Favorite Hobbies:
Reading, going on dates with my wife, the occasional game of Risk (the board game)

Favorite Foods and Restaurant:
Anything my wife cooks (honestly!), and a tall white mocha (hot or frappuchino) at Starbucks

How To Contact Me:
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)