Hunter Ruch
Pastor of Community
Personal History
Hunter was born in Richmond, Virginia, and lived there until his family moved to New Canaan, Connecticut in 1985. Growing up, Hunter's church background was diverse; he attended the Catholic, Episcopal and Evangelical Free Churches. In spite of being raised in the church, he never saw his need for the grace of God. In fact, the idea of a personal relationship with the living God was a foreign concept to him. In high school, however, God used the ministry of Young Life to show Hunter that true life was found not through worldly achievement, but through faith in the Son of God. In the summer of 1993, Hunter confessed to God that he was tired of "playing the game" of life and he committed his life to the Lord. During college, Hunter felt the Lord's leading for him to pursue ministry in the local church. After several years working for the government as a paralegal, this calling was confirmed. Now Hunter is living out his dream at TBC, as he's able to encourage others to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ through the context of life-changing relationships. Ministry Responsibilities As Pastor of Community, the primary responsibility Hunter holds is to facilitate the operation and development of Community Groups (i.e. small groups) within the body of TBC. This includes caring for and equipping Group Leaders so that they can make a lasting impact on the lives of those they lead. Hunter is convinced that true life-change to the glory of God can only happen in the context of biblical community (Hebrews 10:24-25). For this reason, he is passionate about what he does! Hunter also oversees the Life Interest Groups (LIGs) at TBC, which are one of the greatest evangelistic vehicles. Hunter is always open to innovative ideas for how folks can use Life Interest Groups to share the truth of Jesus Christ. If you have an idea, let him know!
Finally, Hunter oversees Ironmen Ministries (TBC's men's ministry) along with an excellent core leadership team. The purpose of Ironmen is to lead men to a full and exciting life in Christ and Hunter considers it a privilege to work alongside the leadership team as they witness God change the hearts of the men of TBC.
Education Bachelors of Architectural History with a second major in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia (1999); Masters of Theology (Th.M.) in Pastoral Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary (2006).
Family Hunter and his wife, Blaire, were married in April of 2000. Even though they were born in the same hospital, the Ruchs did not meet until they were students at the University of Virginia. It was here that they sang together in a student choir called Jubilate (Hunter is quick to admit that his wife's vocal abilities far outweigh his own). The Ruchs have one daughter, Courtlyn (2 and a half) and a son, Kiefer (3 months).
Interesting Tidbits Like most men, Hunter is an avid sports fan. His love in this arena of life is the New York Mets of Major League Baseball, whom he has followed for more than 20 years. ACC college basketball is also high on his list of all-time favorite sports-watching experiences. A little known fact about Hunter is that he was enrolled in a ballroom dancing school for eight years, from 5th grade through his senior year of high school. He even served as an instructor for four of those years. If you want to see him do the splits, just ask! Another hobby over the years has been playing the saxophone (it's been awhile, so he doesn't take requests). Hunter and Blaire enjoy traveling, whether it's exploring new places together, or revisiting old haunts to relive memories. Above all else, Hunter loves to laugh along with folks as they celebrate the joys of life together!
Hunter was born in Richmond, Virginia, and lived there until his family moved to New Canaan, Connecticut in 1985. Growing up, Hunter's church background was diverse; he attended the Catholic, Episcopal and Evangelical Free Churches. In spite of being raised in the church, he never saw his need for the grace of God. In fact, the idea of a personal relationship with the living God was a foreign concept to him. In high school, however, God used the ministry of Young Life to show Hunter that true life was found not through worldly achievement, but through faith in the Son of God. In the summer of 1993, Hunter confessed to God that he was tired of "playing the game" of life and he committed his life to the Lord. During college, Hunter felt the Lord's leading for him to pursue ministry in the local church. After several years working for the government as a paralegal, this calling was confirmed. Now Hunter is living out his dream at TBC, as he's able to encourage others to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ through the context of life-changing relationships. Ministry Responsibilities As Pastor of Community, the primary responsibility Hunter holds is to facilitate the operation and development of Community Groups (i.e. small groups) within the body of TBC. This includes caring for and equipping Group Leaders so that they can make a lasting impact on the lives of those they lead. Hunter is convinced that true life-change to the glory of God can only happen in the context of biblical community (Hebrews 10:24-25). For this reason, he is passionate about what he does! Hunter also oversees the Life Interest Groups (LIGs) at TBC, which are one of the greatest evangelistic vehicles. Hunter is always open to innovative ideas for how folks can use Life Interest Groups to share the truth of Jesus Christ. If you have an idea, let him know!
Finally, Hunter oversees Ironmen Ministries (TBC's men's ministry) along with an excellent core leadership team. The purpose of Ironmen is to lead men to a full and exciting life in Christ and Hunter considers it a privilege to work alongside the leadership team as they witness God change the hearts of the men of TBC.
Education Bachelors of Architectural History with a second major in Religious Studies from the University of Virginia (1999); Masters of Theology (Th.M.) in Pastoral Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary (2006).
Family Hunter and his wife, Blaire, were married in April of 2000. Even though they were born in the same hospital, the Ruchs did not meet until they were students at the University of Virginia. It was here that they sang together in a student choir called Jubilate (Hunter is quick to admit that his wife's vocal abilities far outweigh his own). The Ruchs have one daughter, Courtlyn (2 and a half) and a son, Kiefer (3 months).
Interesting Tidbits Like most men, Hunter is an avid sports fan. His love in this arena of life is the New York Mets of Major League Baseball, whom he has followed for more than 20 years. ACC college basketball is also high on his list of all-time favorite sports-watching experiences. A little known fact about Hunter is that he was enrolled in a ballroom dancing school for eight years, from 5th grade through his senior year of high school. He even served as an instructor for four of those years. If you want to see him do the splits, just ask! Another hobby over the years has been playing the saxophone (it's been awhile, so he doesn't take requests). Hunter and Blaire enjoy traveling, whether it's exploring new places together, or revisiting old haunts to relive memories. Above all else, Hunter loves to laugh along with folks as they celebrate the joys of life together!
Hunter Ruch
785-234-5545