Richard DeFord was ordained as a pastor in 2001 after serving in youth and music ministries for 12 years. Richard and his wife, Amie began their ministry at Katy Park in January 2008. They have 3 children, Caleb, Nathaniel and Sarah.

Richard is bi-vocational and works as the chaplain for Saint Croix Hospice in Sedalia.  Richard holds a Doctorate of Theology in Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapy (TH.D), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), a Master’s of Divinity in Pastoral Care (MDiv.) and a Bachelor’s in Chaplaincy.  He also serves as the Executive Director for the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains where he leads the board in certifying chaplains in healthcare, military, prisons, higher education, hospice, long-term care and corporate environments.  He is endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention and North American Missions Board as a healthcare chaplain.  He is a Grief Educator and author, providing education to chaplains within the Veterans Administration Hospital System.  He is also one of a handful of recognized chaplains by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and volunteers as a chaplain with the Sedalia Police Department.