Personal Information
Information & Testimony of Dr. Richard P. Belcher
Richard P. Belcher was born in St. Joseph, MO on October 12, 1934. He was the second child of three of Mr. and Mrs. George Delbert Belcher. He professed faith in Christ at the age of nine years, and was baptized at the First Baptist Church of St. Joseph. At the age of thirteen, the family moved to the St. Louis area, where he spent his high school years, participating in the sports of football, basketball and track. It was during his senior year at Kirkwood High School that he sensed God’s call to the ministry.Upon graduating from high school, he went to Hannibal LaGrange Baptist College in Hannibal, MO. Immediately he began preaching in local churches in the Missouri area, and then he began to pastor a rural church outside of Troy, MO as he started his sophomore year of college. During that year he also started another church outside of Wentzville, MO. After his sophomore year he married Mary Anne Casner of Troy, and they moved to Wheaton, IL so he could attend Wheaton College. While at Wheaton he started another church at Dekalb, IL and spent three and a half years pastoring there as he also finished college in 1956.
From Dekalb he moved his family (a wife, a son, Richard, Jr. and a daughter Anne Jeannette) back to Troy, MO, as he then spent the next two years in full time evangelistic work, traveling from church to church in itinerant ministry. He left this ministry in the Spring of 1961 to pastor the First Baptist Church of Washington Park, in East St. Louis, IL. He spent the next fifteen years pastoring this church, while at the same time he finished a Bachelor of Divinity degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Master of Theology degree, all from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He also finished all the class work for a Doctor of Theology degree, before moving to Columbia, SC in the summer of 1976 to join the faculty of Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University). He went to CIU to teach Bible and theology, but now is Director of the Pastoral Ministries Program, and teaches Bible, Greek, Church History, Pastoral Ministries, Preaching, etc.
From this base in the following years he finished the Doctor of Theology degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis in 1981, began Richbarry Press and the writing of many books about 1981 also, traveled extensively in ministry all over the states, participated in ministry in India. In the mid-nineties he began the ministry Evangelizing India for Christ. He and several other families also began Covenant Baptist Church in the Columbia area in the mid-nineties. He still remains active n all of these ministries.
His family now includes five grandchildren, two boys and three girls, plus five great-grandchildren. His son, Richard, is on the faculty of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, where he teaches in the Old Testament department, and his daughter Angie Gottman lives in Springfield, MO with her family.
His greatest joy is preaching and teaching the Word of God, or to lose himself in writing one of the journey books, as he watches the Lord spin the plot of the story around the strong theology he wishes to teach.
A Brief History of Richbarry Press
Richbarry Press was begun by Dr. Belcher in the early eighties with a very plain publication of our first book, Arthur W. Pink---Born to Write. We printed a thousand copies of that first effort, and they sold rather quickly. We have since republished the book in a very attractive cover and style.
Our next publications began the Ministry Helps Series. They were called Teaching Helps originally, and grew out of several presentations Dr. Belcher made to Southern Baptist pastors’ groups, presenting material to help prepare the pastors for the teaching of the January Bible Study (now called the Mid-Winter Bible Study). The response to these presentations was so strong, that we became convinced that pastors were looking for good outlines and helps in teaching and preaching the books of the Bible. Thus for the years to come, we prepared and printed helps each year for the January Bible Study’s biblical book.It was, however, in the early nineties that God gave us the book series, which eventually put Richbarry Press on the publishing map, and sent people looking for us. It was at this point that the Lord gave Dr. Belcher the idea of a theological novel whereby he could teach the doctrines of grace. He knew the theology he wanted to teach, but having a very practical streak in all his ministry, he longed for a way whereby many would be drawn to read the book. Why not put the doctrines of grace in a real life story of a young pastor who was seeking to understand what Calvinism was, and if it was a Scriptural system? The book A Journey in Grace was completed in just a few months, and created an immediate stir as it went forth. The copyright date on that first journey book was 1990, and to be honest, it was thought that would be the only journey book we would ever do.
But then people were so blessed, and began to ask if there was going to be a sequel. Ira Fife Pointer had become so popular, and the presentation of the truth of the doctrines of grace so powerful, that we had to consider another book. We received notes and calls and communications of all sorts telling us of the way people were using the book to teach, train, and disciple others in these great truths. Many stated that was the means whereby God had taught them and convinced them of the truth.
So in 1996, almost by demand of our readers, we published A Journey in Purity, a story of the same pastor, Ira Pointer, wrestling with the subject of church discipline. It was in this book that Dink was introduced. He became an immediate favorite of our readers, because of his down-to-earth practicality and simplicity as he faced spiritual matters. Very shortly thereafter, we published A Journey in Authority, a continuation of the same characters, as Pastor Ira sought to understand the Biblical teaching concerning church government.
With a building clientele of readers clamoring to know when the next book would be out, we published A Journey in the Spirit in 1997. It too continued with a theological search by Pastor Ira, along with help and comments from Dink. It was in this book that we were introduced to a very unique character named Durwood Girvin, as Ira sought to unravel in his thinking the Charismatic movement.
By this time we had become convinced that the Lord would have us try to write one journey book a year, and the next one came out in 1998. It was titled A Journey in Inspiration and contained the story of Pastor Ira and Dink heading off to seminary to study on further degrees. In the first semester they encountered a liberal view of the nature of the Bible, and so there came a battle over the doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible. It was shocking how such a simple subject became so bombastic and even dangerous as Ira sought to stand for the truth.
The next journey book is titled A Journey in Providence, and contains the tragic story of the kidnapping of Dink’s two-year old son. This sends Pastor Ira and Dink off on a search to try to determine who was behind this deed and why, and the search eventually leads them into the area of a Mafia organization, in which Dink had been active before his conversion.What are our plans for future journey books? The Lord willing, we hope to write one a year as long as the Lord allows. The next one is underway, and is the one Pastor Ira has been mentioning ever since the first book. Yes, finally, there will be a book titled, the Lord willing, A Journey in Eschatology. Some of our friends think we have lost our minds, because of the controversial nature of this subject. Some have even suggested we will lose all our readers and friends with such a subject. But we shall see! We do not wish to divulge all our secrets before the book comes out, but we have sought to set up the book to deal with the subject in a helpful manner with the least amount of offense. Several other Journey books have been written and more are in the works.
Besides these journey books and ministry helps books, we have also written several other books on theology, Greek language helps, a book on preaching, historical studies and several more books on Arthur W. Pink. The total is running up close to forty books now.
The history of Richbarry Press would not be complete without a word about Mrs. Richard P. Belcher, better known as Mary Anne. She oversees the business aspects of the work, taking orders, shipping books, keeping all records necessary for such a business, etc. So if you call our phone number, or fax us, she will be the one who receives the messages to help you and fill the orders. She works from a five room office complex which houses the ministry, which includes one office for her, and one for Dr. Belcher, where he writes the books, one room for the used book business, and one for the new book stock.
We thank all our readers for their encouragement and prayers. Pastor Ira has many more subjects to pursue, so you can look for more journey books in the years to come as the Lord gives us health and strength and funds to continue His work in this publishing venture.
We would rejoice to hear from you if our books have been a blessing, and would appreciate any comments you would have concerning our ministry.
Our next publications began the Ministry Helps Series. They were called Teaching Helps originally, and grew out of several presentations Dr. Belcher made to Southern Baptist pastors’ groups, presenting material to help prepare the pastors for the teaching of the January Bible Study (now called the Mid-Winter Bible Study). The response to these presentations was so strong, that we became convinced that pastors were looking for good outlines and helps in teaching and preaching the books of the Bible. Thus for the years to come, we prepared and printed helps each year for the January Bible Study’s biblical book.It was, however, in the early nineties that God gave us the book series, which eventually put Richbarry Press on the publishing map, and sent people looking for us. It was at this point that the Lord gave Dr. Belcher the idea of a theological novel whereby he could teach the doctrines of grace. He knew the theology he wanted to teach, but having a very practical streak in all his ministry, he longed for a way whereby many would be drawn to read the book. Why not put the doctrines of grace in a real life story of a young pastor who was seeking to understand what Calvinism was, and if it was a Scriptural system? The book A Journey in Grace was completed in just a few months, and created an immediate stir as it went forth. The copyright date on that first journey book was 1990, and to be honest, it was thought that would be the only journey book we would ever do.
But then people were so blessed, and began to ask if there was going to be a sequel. Ira Fife Pointer had become so popular, and the presentation of the truth of the doctrines of grace so powerful, that we had to consider another book. We received notes and calls and communications of all sorts telling us of the way people were using the book to teach, train, and disciple others in these great truths. Many stated that was the means whereby God had taught them and convinced them of the truth.
So in 1996, almost by demand of our readers, we published A Journey in Purity, a story of the same pastor, Ira Pointer, wrestling with the subject of church discipline. It was in this book that Dink was introduced. He became an immediate favorite of our readers, because of his down-to-earth practicality and simplicity as he faced spiritual matters. Very shortly thereafter, we published A Journey in Authority, a continuation of the same characters, as Pastor Ira sought to understand the Biblical teaching concerning church government.
With a building clientele of readers clamoring to know when the next book would be out, we published A Journey in the Spirit in 1997. It too continued with a theological search by Pastor Ira, along with help and comments from Dink. It was in this book that we were introduced to a very unique character named Durwood Girvin, as Ira sought to unravel in his thinking the Charismatic movement.
By this time we had become convinced that the Lord would have us try to write one journey book a year, and the next one came out in 1998. It was titled A Journey in Inspiration and contained the story of Pastor Ira and Dink heading off to seminary to study on further degrees. In the first semester they encountered a liberal view of the nature of the Bible, and so there came a battle over the doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible. It was shocking how such a simple subject became so bombastic and even dangerous as Ira sought to stand for the truth.
The next journey book is titled A Journey in Providence, and contains the tragic story of the kidnapping of Dink’s two-year old son. This sends Pastor Ira and Dink off on a search to try to determine who was behind this deed and why, and the search eventually leads them into the area of a Mafia organization, in which Dink had been active before his conversion.What are our plans for future journey books? The Lord willing, we hope to write one a year as long as the Lord allows. The next one is underway, and is the one Pastor Ira has been mentioning ever since the first book. Yes, finally, there will be a book titled, the Lord willing, A Journey in Eschatology. Some of our friends think we have lost our minds, because of the controversial nature of this subject. Some have even suggested we will lose all our readers and friends with such a subject. But we shall see! We do not wish to divulge all our secrets before the book comes out, but we have sought to set up the book to deal with the subject in a helpful manner with the least amount of offense. Several other Journey books have been written and more are in the works.
Besides these journey books and ministry helps books, we have also written several other books on theology, Greek language helps, a book on preaching, historical studies and several more books on Arthur W. Pink. The total is running up close to forty books now.
The history of Richbarry Press would not be complete without a word about Mrs. Richard P. Belcher, better known as Mary Anne. She oversees the business aspects of the work, taking orders, shipping books, keeping all records necessary for such a business, etc. So if you call our phone number, or fax us, she will be the one who receives the messages to help you and fill the orders. She works from a five room office complex which houses the ministry, which includes one office for her, and one for Dr. Belcher, where he writes the books, one room for the used book business, and one for the new book stock.
We thank all our readers for their encouragement and prayers. Pastor Ira has many more subjects to pursue, so you can look for more journey books in the years to come as the Lord gives us health and strength and funds to continue His work in this publishing venture.
We would rejoice to hear from you if our books have been a blessing, and would appreciate any comments you would have concerning our ministry.
MISSION STATEMENT
THE MISSION OF OUR NEW BOOK DIVISION
It is our conviction that Richbarry Press has been raised up by God for the purpose of providing resources to the people of God for their better understanding of the truth, as well as for their use of the material for ministry to others. All of what we print in our new book division is to fulfill these two purposes. The theological novels teach the truth in the plot of an interesting story, so that the story hooks the reader, and the truth comes through clearly also. But in the process also the reader is given outlines and arguments whereby one can present the truth to others. Our ministry helps series is for pastors and Bible teachers to study and use for preaching and/or teaching to others. Whatever the subject of any of our books, the reader will gain understanding as well as material which can be used in practical ministry.
THE MISSION OF OUR USED BOOK DIVISION
In a day and age when new books are quite expensive, Richbarry Press seeks to fulfill the mission of providing used books to believers at a very reasonable cost. We would point out that not all our used books are of the Reformed perspective, as we realize that there are times when one desires a book for research or study in an area where there may not be agreement. Thus some of our used books will fulfill that purpose, while others will present the perspective which we consider to be the Biblical one.
A BRIEF DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
First, Richbarry Press would call itself a Christian organization, and does cherish that name, as it was originally a reference in the book of Acts to the fact that the believers were Christ-like. We have much in common with anyone who names the name of Christ and wishes to exalt Him as Lord and Savior.
Second, Richbarry Press is Reformed in its theology, which means that we hold to that doctrine which was restored to the church at the period of the Reformation. Again, we have many things in common with any one who holds this system of doctrine, which we see as Biblically accurate and most thoroughly God-centered.
Third, Richbarry Press is Baptistic, holding to the faith as expressed in several great Baptist confessions of faith, namely the Second London Confession of 1689 and Philadelphia Confession of the early Baptists in America. Both of these confessions find root in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Fourth, Richbarry Press is in favor of supporting regularly the Southern Baptist Convention with tithes and offerings; although, it also believes in supporting other worthy Biblical causes as well.
Fifth, Richbarry Press would recommend to anyone seeking a church to answer the following questions: Does it preach the truth of the inerrant, inspired Word of God because if a church has many other things but does not preach the truth, can it really fulfill the primary purpose of a church in your life?--which is to draw a person nearer to God and his Son Jesus Christ!!
It is our conviction that Richbarry Press has been raised up by God for the purpose of providing resources to the people of God for their better understanding of the truth, as well as for their use of the material for ministry to others. All of what we print in our new book division is to fulfill these two purposes. The theological novels teach the truth in the plot of an interesting story, so that the story hooks the reader, and the truth comes through clearly also. But in the process also the reader is given outlines and arguments whereby one can present the truth to others. Our ministry helps series is for pastors and Bible teachers to study and use for preaching and/or teaching to others. Whatever the subject of any of our books, the reader will gain understanding as well as material which can be used in practical ministry.
THE MISSION OF OUR USED BOOK DIVISION
In a day and age when new books are quite expensive, Richbarry Press seeks to fulfill the mission of providing used books to believers at a very reasonable cost. We would point out that not all our used books are of the Reformed perspective, as we realize that there are times when one desires a book for research or study in an area where there may not be agreement. Thus some of our used books will fulfill that purpose, while others will present the perspective which we consider to be the Biblical one.
A BRIEF DOCTRINAL STATEMENT
First, Richbarry Press would call itself a Christian organization, and does cherish that name, as it was originally a reference in the book of Acts to the fact that the believers were Christ-like. We have much in common with anyone who names the name of Christ and wishes to exalt Him as Lord and Savior.
Second, Richbarry Press is Reformed in its theology, which means that we hold to that doctrine which was restored to the church at the period of the Reformation. Again, we have many things in common with any one who holds this system of doctrine, which we see as Biblically accurate and most thoroughly God-centered.
Third, Richbarry Press is Baptistic, holding to the faith as expressed in several great Baptist confessions of faith, namely the Second London Confession of 1689 and Philadelphia Confession of the early Baptists in America. Both of these confessions find root in the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Fourth, Richbarry Press is in favor of supporting regularly the Southern Baptist Convention with tithes and offerings; although, it also believes in supporting other worthy Biblical causes as well.
Fifth, Richbarry Press would recommend to anyone seeking a church to answer the following questions: Does it preach the truth of the inerrant, inspired Word of God because if a church has many other things but does not preach the truth, can it really fulfill the primary purpose of a church in your life?--which is to draw a person nearer to God and his Son Jesus Christ!!