Rick Shabi was ordained an elder in 2000, and relocated to northern Florida in 2004. He attended Ambassador College and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, with a major in Accounting. After enjoying a rewarding career in corporate and local hospital finance and administration, he became a pastor in January 2011. Since then, he and his wife Deborah have served in the Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida, churches. Rick served as the Treasurer for the United Church of God from 2013–2022, and was named President in May 2022.

I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. My first day of Church attendance was December 22, 1990 - three days after my 23rd birthday. I was baptized on November 11, 1991, attended Ambassador College from 1993-1995 and have a Bachelor of Science degree in Cybersecurity from Champlain College. I serve as a Deacon in the Cincinnati Congregation.

My hobbies include singing and songwriting. My favorite Scripture is Matthew 6:33 because it helps me stay focused on the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back to Earth to establish the Kingdom of God. And that's going to be awesome!