Meet Our Staff

Pastor Rick is new to full-time ministry. Earlier in his career, he spent fifteen years as a state securities regulator, including more than a decade as General Counsel for the Office of the Kansas Securities Commissioner. Then, he and his family moved to Washington D.C., where he worked for the association of state securities regulators before being appointed in 2014 to be the first director of the Office of the Investor Advocate at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

While working full-time, Rick was active in his church and a variety of ministries. He has served as an elder, worship leader, small group leader, and Sunday School teacher, as well as a volunteer at parachurch organizations such as the Gideons International, Topeka Youth for Christ, and Casa Chirilagua in Alexandria, Virginia.

After his role as the Investor Advocate, Rick spent three months backpacking 1,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail, where he enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation and sought His leading for the remainder of his career. In 2024, he and Michelle returned to their home state of Kansas, where they immediately became active in serving at Central Park Christian Church and ultimately embraced the calling to serve as Lead Pastor. They have been married 35 years and have six adult children.

JD Kruger is just getting started in full-time ministry. In the past, he worked part-time as a youth ministry intern in Springfield, MO. He is marrying his fiancée Kathryn in June. Both of them are excited to be starting their new chapter together, and with Central Park Christian Church.