Dr. Richard W. Bimler
Past President/Senior Staff Associate

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Richard Bimler served as president of Wheat Ridge Ministries for 15 years and stepped down from the position on December 31, 2005.  Prior to joining Wheat Ridge, he served The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in a variety of capacities, including Executive Director of the Planning Council for Mission and Ministry, Executive Director of major LCMS Youth Gatherings, Executive Director of the Board for Youth Services and Assistant to the President (Youth, Evangelism, Social Ministry) in the Minnesota South District. He began his lifelong career in the church serving as youth director in Houston, Texas, and then as Director of Christian Education in Mission, Kansas. 

A graduate of Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, Rich also holds a master’s degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and honorary doctorates from Concordia College, Bronxville, New York, and Concordia University, Irvine, California.

Rich has written numerous books, articles and educational materials dealing with youth ministry as well as humor, team ministry and family life.  Among his many publications are Let There Be Laughter, Angels Can Fly Because They Take Themselves Lightly and Miracles in the Middle.

A world traveler, Rich has been involved in consultations, presentations and training events in 17 countries outside the United States.  He is a member of numerous local, national and international organizations and serves on various boards.  In 2004, Rich received the “Outstanding Executive Award” from the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) and in 2005 was presented the Wittenberg Award from The Luther Institute in Washington, DC.

Rich and his wife, Hazel, have three grown children and seven grandchildren.