Who Is Rich Villodas?
Rich Villodas was born on April 17, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. He is an American pastor, speaker, and Christian author. Rich is best known as the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York—a large church with people from over 75 nations. He is also the writer of the best-selling Christian book, The Deeply Formed Life.
Rich Villodas is a leader who teaches people how to follow Jesus in a deep and healthy way. He helps others grow in their faith by talking about topics like prayer, peace, emotional health, and racial justice. His messages are easy to understand, and many people feel inspired by his gentle and wise teaching style.
Even though Rich leads a big church, he is also a husband and dad. He loves spending time with his wife, Rosie, and their two kids. He says that living like Jesus means slowing down, loving people, and living with purpose.
Rich Villodas’ Early Life and Background
Rich Villodas grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a family with Puerto Rican roots born April 17, 1979. He was the oldest of five children. Life in Brooklyn was busy and full of different cultures, languages, and music. This made Rich curious about the world and helped him understand how to connect with people from many backgrounds.
As a child, Rich didn’t always go to church. But even then, he had a kind heart and liked to help others. He saw the problems people faced in the city, like poverty and violence. These early experiences gave him a deep care for people, especially those who feel left out or forgotten.
Rich’s family didn’t have a lot of money, but they were strong and close. He learned how to work hard, stay humble, and respect others. These values shaped who he would become later as a pastor and teacher.
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How Rich Villodas Found Faith
Rich Villodas became a Christian when he was 19 years old. One day, he walked into a small Pentecostal church in Brooklyn. The people there welcomed him with love and joy. That day, Rich gave his life to Jesus. It changed everything for him.
Before that moment, Rich wasn’t sure what he believed. But after hearing about God’s love and grace, he felt something powerful in his heart. He knew that Jesus was real and that he wanted to follow Him.
Not long after becoming a Christian, Rich started preaching at small churches in New York City. He felt a strong calling to help others know Jesus too. People around him also noticed something special about him. Many said they believed God was calling him to be a pastor.
Rich didn’t want to be famous. He just wanted to be faithful. He began to pray more, study the Bible, and learn how to teach others with wisdom and kindness.
Rich Villodas’ Education and Early Ministry
After giving his life to Jesus, Rich Villodas wanted to learn more about the Bible and how to be a good pastor. He went to Nyack College, a Christian school in New York. There, he studied Pastoral Ministry and learned how to care for people and teach God’s Word.
Later, Rich earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Alliance Theological Seminary. This helped him grow even more in his faith and prepare to lead others. While in school, Rich kept preaching at different churches in the city. He didn’t just study—he was already living out his calling.
Over the years, Rich served in four different churches before becoming the lead pastor at New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York. Each place taught him something new. He learned how to lead with love, serve with humility, and trust God in every step.
Rich believes that good leaders must always keep learning. He once said that reading, listening, and growing in faith is a lifelong journey.
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Rich Villodas’ Leadership and Ministry Style
Rich Villodas leads with a heart full of love, peace, and patience. As the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York, he cares deeply about helping people grow in their walk with God. His church is made up of people from more than 75 nations, and he teaches them how to follow Jesus together.
Rich doesn’t focus on being famous or flashy. Instead, he teaches about being emotionally healthy, spiritually strong, and deeply formed in Christ. He believes Christians should live like Jesus—not just on Sundays, but every day. He often says that slowing down and spending time with God is the key to a strong faith.
One of Rich’s favorite messages is that leaders must live with humility. He often talks about avoiding pride and staying close to Jesus. He is also part of a ministry called Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, where he helps others become healthier in their faith and emotions.
Rich Villodas’ Family and Personal Life
Rich Villodas is not only a pastor—he’s also a husband and a dad. He is married to Rosie Villodas, and they have two children named Karis and Nathan. Rich often says that his family is one of the biggest blessings in his life.
Even though he is a busy pastor, Rich makes sure to spend quality time with his wife and kids. He believes that taking care of your family is just as important as leading a church. He talks openly about the joys and struggles of family life, showing that no one is perfect, but God’s grace is always enough.
One thing Rich loves to do is practice the Sabbath—a day of rest. Every week, he takes time to slow down, pray, and enjoy life with his family. He believes that resting helps people stay strong, kind, and close to God.
Rich also meets regularly with mentors, friends, and a Christian therapist. He says that having people who support him helps him stay healthy—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
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Books by Rich Villodas and What He Teaches
Rich Villodas is not just a pastor—he’s also a Christian author. He has written books that help people grow closer to God and live in a way that shows love, peace, and faith. His writing is simple, powerful, and full of wisdom.
The Deeply Formed Life (2020)
This book teaches five important ways to follow Jesus:
- Spend quiet time with God (contemplation)
- Understand your feelings (emotional health)
- Care about fairness and justice (racial justice)
- Live with purity (sexual wholeness)
- Share your faith with love (missional presence)
Rich says that many people are too busy and stressed. His book helps readers slow down and build a life that looks like Jesus.
Good and Beautiful and Kind (2022)
In this book, Rich talks about how the world is full of pain and division. But Jesus shows us a better way—a way of kindness, truth, and healing. Rich helps readers understand how to deal with hurt, forgive others, and live with love in a broken world.
The Narrow Path (2024)
This new book helps readers walk the path of Jesus, even when it’s hard. Rich explains that true Christian life is not about being popular or rich, but about choosing faith, love, and humility every day.
Waiting for Jesus (2025)
Through his book Waiting for Jesus, Rich Villodas offers a 25-day Advent devotional that invites readers to slow down, reflect on the season, and grow closer to Jesus, just as he did in The Deeply Formed Life.
Rich Villodas and His Fight for Justice
Rich Villodas believes that following Jesus means standing up for what is right and fair. He teaches that the Bible is not just about going to church—it’s also about loving your neighbor, helping the poor, and treating everyone with kindness, no matter their background or skin color.
Rich talks a lot about racial justice. He knows that many people face unfair treatment because of their race or culture. As a pastor in a church with people from over 75 different countries, he wants everyone to feel safe, valued, and loved.
Rich also teaches people how to speak up without being rude or mean. He says Christians should stand for truth, but always with gentleness and respect. He wants the church to be a place where people can listen, learn, and grow together.
He reminds his church that Jesus cared for the poor, the sick, and the hurting—and we should too. His sermons often talk about how to serve others, forgive those who hurt us, and fight against hate with the love of God.
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Rich Villodas’ Leadership Style and Influence
Rich Villodas is a leader who cares deeply about people. As the lead pastor of a big church in Queens, New York, he works hard to bring together people from many different countries and cultures. His church has members from over 75 nations, making it one of the most diverse churches in the city.
Rich believes good leaders must be humble and kind. He often says that a leader should listen more than talk and serve others instead of wanting power or fame. He leads by example, showing how to live with love, patience, and honesty.
Rich is also known for helping pastors and church leaders around the world. He speaks at conferences and events where he shares ideas about how to lead churches with heart and wisdom. Many people respect him for combining deep spiritual life with practical advice.
He encourages leaders to care about their own feelings and emotions so they can be strong for the people they serve. Rich believes that being emotionally healthy is just as important as being spiritually healthy.
Rich Villodas’ Impact and Legacy
Rich Villodas has made a big difference in many people’s lives. Through his church, books, and talks, he helps people grow closer to Jesus and live with kindness and hope. His teachings about love, justice, and emotional health inspire people not just in New York but all around the world.
Many leaders and pastors look up to Rich because he shows how to lead with humility and heart. He reminds everyone that being a Christian means living with peace, patience, and love every day.
Rich’s legacy will be one of deep faith and strong care for others. He teaches that true strength comes from being connected to God and loving people well. His work helps build stronger communities and encourages people to live good and meaningful lives.
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Conclusion
Rich Villodas is a pastor, author, and leader who teaches people how to follow Jesus with love, kindness, and justice. From his early days growing up in Brooklyn to leading a diverse church in New York City, Rich shows that faith is about living deeply and caring for others.
Through his books, sermons, and leadership, he inspires many to slow down, grow emotionally and spiritually, and stand up for what is right. Rich’s life reminds us that being a follower of Jesus means loving people, seeking peace, and serving with humility every day.
His work continues to impact many lives around the world, and his vision for the future is to build churches where everyone feels welcome, healed, and empowered to live well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Rich Villodas
Q1: Who is Rich Villodas?
A1: Rich Villodas is an American pastor, author, and speaker. He leads New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York, and writes books about following Jesus with love and justice.
Q2: When and where was Rich Villodas born?
A2: Rich Villodas was born on July 16, 1978, in Brooklyn, New York.
Q3: What books has Rich Villodas written?
A3: Some of his popular books are The Deeply Formed Life, Good and Beautiful and Kind, and The Narrow Path.
Q4: What is Rich Villodas known for?
A4: He is known for teaching people how to live with emotional health, spiritual depth, and a heart for justice.
Q5: What is unique about Rich Villodas’ church?
A5: His church is very diverse, with members from over 75 different countries.
Q6: What is Rich Villodas’ vision for the future?
A6: He wants to build churches that welcome everyone and focus on love, justice, and deep spiritual growth.
Q7: Is Rich Villodas married?
A7: Yes, Rich Villodas is married to Rosie Villodas, and they have two children.
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