Dr. Rick Light

Dr. Rick Light has been associated with REF since 1980. He has previously served within REF as the Director of International and United States Ministries (1982-2001). During that time he led many successful evangelistic efforts in Uganda, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, India, Russia, and several parts of Eastern Europe. In 2001, Dr. Light was installed as the third CEO of REF and has faithfully served in that capacity ever since.

Dr. Light graduated from Graham Bible College with B.B.E in Bible and Theology. He received his Seminary training (M.A/M.Div.) and he received his Ph.D in Christian Thought through the Jonathan Edwards Institute in Princeton, NJ, credited through the University of Biblical Studies and Seminary of Oklahoma City, OK in 2005. Dr. Light served as Senior Pastor of Eastern Heights Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tennessee for 37 years, retiring December 31, 2024.

He is married to the former Evangeline Patricia Wilkinson, daughter of Dr. & Mrs. Ben Wilkinson. The Light's have three children: Joshua, Victoria, and Nathan. Victoria is married to Justin and they have two daughters, Kylie Renee and Olivia Ruth. Nathan and Beth have 4 children; Titus, Clara, Noah and Joshua. 

Dr. Light is an ordained Teaching Elder, serving under the oversight of Vanguard Presbytery. He is available to fill pulpits and to lead seminars on a wide variety of subjects, focusing on equipping the people of God to serve not only the church but the community around them. He raises monthly support for those travel expenses.