Dr. Rico A. Newkirk is a pastor, educator, mentor, and visionary leader who is committed to
proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and equipping believers for effective Kingdom service.
With a passion for biblical teaching, leadership development, and community transformation, he
has faithfully served in pastoral ministry for more than two decades.
Dr. Newkirk currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Kay Branch Missionary Baptist Church
in Hartsville, South Carolina, where he leads under the vision of "Changing Lives and Meeting
the Holistic Needs of Mankind." His ministry emphasizes sound biblical doctrine, spiritual
growth, evangelism, discipleship, and compassionate outreach that impacts both the church and
the surrounding community.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Dr. Newkirk served as Dean of North Carolina
Theological Seminary at Hartsville he is currently The Dean of Education at Remnant Global
Bible College & Seminary Florence SC, where he is dedicated to preparing pastors, ministers,
and Christian leaders through quality theological education, practical ministry training, and
spiritual formation. He has devoted much of his ministry to developing educational programs,
leadership workshops, and biblical studies designed to equip the next generation of Kingdom
leaders. His commitment to denominational leadership has also led him to serve as First Vice
Moderator of the Darlington County Baptist Educational and Missionary Union, where he
encourages fellowship, leadership, and cooperative ministry among local churches.
Among his many ministry responsibilities, Dr. Newkirk has been appointed as the
Bishop-Designate for Nicaragua through the Remnant Global Network, an international
fellowship committed to advancing the Kingdom of God through biblical leadership, church
planting, ministerial training, and global missions. In this significant leadership role, he will
provide episcopal oversight, spiritual leadership, and strategic direction for ministry efforts in
Nicaragua while serving within the broader vision of the Remnant Global Network,throughout
the United States, South Africa, Nicaragua, and the United Kingdom, including London,
England. As Bishop-Designate, Dr. Newkirk joins a distinguished body of Kingdom leaders
dedicated to strengthening churches, equipping pastors and ministry leaders, fostering global
partnerships, and advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ across the nations.In 2023, Dr. Newkirk
launched the Preaching 1&1 Summer Workshop, training ministers and lay leaders across
South Carolina and Georgia. Dr.Newkirk is the Author of several books, published and
unpublished.The Wilderness between the Cross and the Crown,Preaching 1 & 1 Public
Speaking/Homiletics,and Preaching 1 & 1 Pastoral Theology.Before his current pastorate, Dr. Newkirk faithfully served as Pastor of Faith Temple
Missionary Baptist Church in Kenansville, North Carolina (2005–2012), and First Baptist
Charity Missionary Baptist Church in Rose Hill, North Carolina (2012–2017).
Dr. Newkirk's educational preparation includes an Associate Degree and Bachelor's Degree
from North Carolina College of Theology in Wilmington, North Carolina, followed by a Master
of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from North Carolina Theological Seminary. He carries
a Certificate in Church Administration from Duke Divinity,Certificate in Preaching
Excellence from Clamp Divinity. His ministry reflects a lifelong commitment to biblical
scholarship, faithful preaching, and servant leadership.
Known for his practical teaching style and heart for people, Dr. Newkirk believes that effective
ministry extends beyond the church walls. He is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders,
strengthening families, encouraging community engagement, and helping believers discover
and fulfill their God-given purpose.
Dr. Newkirk is married to Dr. Angela Harding Newkirk, and together they are devoted to
advancing the Kingdom of God through preaching, teaching, leadership development, and
Christian education. Their shared commitment is to see lives transformed by the power of the
Gospel and believers equipped to serve Christ with excellence.
Dr. Rico A. Newkirk's ministry philosophy is simple: preach the Word faithfully, develop
leaders intentionally, serve people compassionately, and glorify God in every area of life and
ministry.
Author Info