Meet Our Team

Rev. Dr. Rick Underwood has served as pastor of Hempridge Baptist Church since 2006, bringing to the church a rich background in pastoral ministry, counseling, teaching, and leadership. Originally from Mississippi, Rick studied at Mississippi College and Mississippi State University before earning advanced degrees in ministry, counseling, and organizational leadership. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and has spent much of his career helping individuals, families, pastors, and churches navigate the challenges of faith, relationships, leadership, and life. He is also a published author, with books including Go, Stop; Go!, Wise and Healthy Living, Be Your Own PACEmaker, and Running Against the Wind: A Journey Toward Authentic Faith, which is a book of sermons preached at Hempridge.  

Rick’s ministry reflects his passion for caring for people as whole persons—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—and for helping individuals and congregations discover healthy, faithful ways to grow. Since arriving at Hempridge in 2006, he has been grateful to walk alongside the church through seasons of ministry, change, and community life.

Julia holds a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and is pursuing a calling to bi-vocational pastoral ministry and Baptist ordination. She has experience in Christian education, worship leadership, preaching, and spiritual formation, having served as Director of Religious Education and Environmental Spirituality Intern at Trinity on the Green in New Haven and as a Chapel Minister at Yale Divinity School’s Marquand Chapel. 

Julia also works full-time in public policy and advocacy, where she brings her faith commitments to justice, creation care, and serving those whose voices are often overlooked. She is passionate about preaching, Bible study, pastoral care, community outreach, and helping people discover how faith shapes everyday life. Julia lives with her husband and young son and is excited to serve alongside the Hempridge community, learning and growing together as they discern where God is leading the church.