Faith in Action

Ministry

Three decades of discipleship, community transformation, and pouring life into the next generation — from Anacostia to Capitol Hill.

Discipleship Works

Discipleship Works is Rickey's flagship ministry, based in the Washington D.C. area. The ministry is built on a simple but powerful strategy: replicate Jesus' ministry approach through life-on-life discipleship.

Rather than programs or institutions, Discipleship Works focuses on deep, personal relationships — mentoring underserved youth, leading Bible studies, organizing retreats and mission trips, and teaching essential life skills.

"It has always been my mission to serve people and to give."

— Rickey Bolden

Ministry Strategy

  • ▸
    Life-on-Life Discipleship

    Replicating Jesus' model — walking alongside people in their daily lives, not just meeting on Sundays.

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    Youth Mentorship

    Working with underserved youth through Bible studies, retreats, mission trips, and life skills development.

  • ▸
    HeartSync Ministry

    Emotional and relational healing ministry — addressing the whole person, not just spiritual needs.

Discipleship Houses

Rickey and his team open their homes to those being discipled — creating spaces for deep community and transformation.

The 859 House

Located in Northeast Washington D.C. An open home where young men and women are discipled through daily life together, Bible study, and practical mentorship.

The Park

Located in Southeast Washington D.C. A second discipleship house extending the ministry's reach into another underserved community.

Visit Discipleship Works →

Co-Founded 1999

The House DC

In 1999, Rickey co-founded The House DC in Anacostia, one of Washington D.C.'s most underserved neighborhoods. The ministry took root in a former crack house on what the neighborhood called "Murder Row."

What was once a symbol of destruction became a symbol of hope. The House DC transformed into a youth ministry center, providing a safe space, mentorship, and spiritual guidance to young people who had few other options.

For over two decades, The House DC has served as a beacon in Southeast D.C. — proof that the darkest places can become the brightest lights.

Visit The House DC →
Rickey Bolden

Washington D.C.

Capitol Hill Bible Studies

Rickey leads weekly Bible studies with members of Congress on Capitol Hill — bringing faith, wisdom, and pastoral care to the halls of government. These sessions are a rare space where political leaders across the aisle can come together around shared faith.

"My politics never drives my faith. My faith must always drive my politics."

— Rickey Bolden

Ministry Journey

30+ years of faithful service across the country

1989–1992

Ashland Theological Seminary

Earned Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin), preparing for a lifetime of pastoral leadership.

1992–2004

Southeast Christian Fellowship

Washington D.C. — Pastored what was originally Washington Brethren Church, renaming and revitalizing the congregation for over a decade.

1999

Co-Founded The House DC

Transformed a former crack house in Anacostia into a youth ministry center on "Murder Row."

2004

Capitol Hill Ministry

Began leading Bible studies with members of Congress — a ministry that continues to this day.

2005–2013

New Community Church

Served as Senior Pastor in LaGrange, Georgia — building community and expanding ministry reach across the South.

2013–Present

Discipleship Works

Returned to Washington D.C. to focus on life-on-life discipleship through The 859 House and The Park.

2021–Present

Ashland University Board of Trustees

Appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees, listed as "Pastor (Retired), Serves leadership around the world."

Ministry Philosophy

Presence Over Programs

Real transformation happens through relationship, not systems. Rickey's ministry is built on being present in people's daily lives.

Open Doors

The discipleship houses are literal open homes — reflecting the radical hospitality at the core of Jesus' ministry model.

Whole-Person Care

Through HeartSync and other ministries, Rickey addresses emotional, relational, and spiritual needs — healing the whole person.

Generational Impact

Every person discipled becomes a discipler. Rickey's model is designed to multiply — creating leaders who create leaders.