Rick Richardson

Rick Richardson serves as Professor of Evangelism and Leadership at Wheaton College, where he also holds the Luis Palau Chair of Evangelism. He is the Executive Director of the African American Church Evangelism Institutes, Church Evangelism Institute, and Research Institute at the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. As an ordained Anglican priest, Richardson brings substantial practical ministry experience to his academic work, having served as Pastor of Evangelism and small groups and worked in campus ministry for 25 years. He was the National Coordinator of Evangelism nationally with InterVarsity in the late 1990s and helped launch the Willow Creek DuPage site.

Rick Richardson earned his educational credentials from prestigious institutions:

• Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International University (2007)
• M.Div. from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, with focus on evangelism and urban ministry (1991)
• B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College (1978)

Richardson's research focuses on contemporary evangelism practices, particularly how churches can effectively reach unchurched populations including millennials, 'nones,' and the irreligious. His work examines missional church movements, racial reconciliation, healing practices, and the emerging generation's relationship with faith. He has conducted groundbreaking research through the Billy Graham Center Institute, challenging common assumptions about declining receptivity to the Christian faith. His book 'You Found Me' presents data from a study of 2000 unchurched people revealing surprising openness to faith conversations.

His publications reveal a consistent focus on practical evangelism strategies grounded in rigorous research. Richardson's work bridges academic scholarship with practical ministry applications, emphasizing how churches can become 'conversion communities' that experience growth through new believers rather than transfer growth. His research particularly highlights the surprising openness of unchurched populations to spiritual conversations when approached with authenticity and cultural understanding.

Rick Richardson consults widely with churches on Evangelism, Church Revitalization, Healing, Reconciliation, the emerging generation, and contemporary missional churches and missional movements. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker and consultant for churches and ministries seeking to engage effectively with contemporary culture.

Richardson has directed the Church Evangelism Institute, working with hundreds of senior pastors and their leaders in revitalizing churches through conversion growth. His work with InterVarsity as National Coordinator of Evangelism and his role in launching the Willow Creek DuPage site demonstrate his extensive practical experience in church planting and evangelistic ministry. He also serves as an affiliate professor for TEDS working with the Ph.D. program.