Rich Sparling
During almost a decade on the mission field in the Dominican Republic, Rich saw how effective sports are as a ministry tool. After he and his family returned to the States, he joined the staff of Baseball Chapel, the organization that oversees the chaplains who serve each of the teams in professional baseball.
Rich was their Director of Latin-American Ministries for 12 years and served the Phillies as chaplain from 2000-2015, first as the primary chaplain and then 3 years ministering just to the Spanish-speaking players. The idea of a sports ministry that helps athletes how to effectively use their platform never went away and eventually Rich established Torch Sports Ministry in 2009 which he currently still directs.
Even though Real Estate seems a far cry from a lifetime of ministry, Rich views it as another way to be God's hands and feet while helping people find the right place to call "home." He and his wife of 46 years, Beverly, have 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren with 2 more on the way.
