Lead Pastor

Ricky Hughes

I grew up in Duncanville, a suburb south of Dallas. My parents divorced when I was three, and my father’s move out of state limited our relationship. My mother worked long hours to support my brother and me, and with her absence, I often made poor choices.

By 15, I was on a destructive path, abusing drugs, alcohol, and engaging in unhealthy relationships. I dropped out of high school, struggled with discipline, and continued drinking daily. Although I occasionally thought about turning to God, I failed to live out the promises I made.

At 27, I hit rock bottom. Sitting alone, I realized how many people I had hurt—my mother, father, and countless others. In that moment, a soft whisper spoke to my heart: “You can follow me or continue down the same path.” With honesty, I whispered, “God, if you forgive me, I’ll follow you.” I felt led to find a Bible I had tucked away. I read Psalm 51, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me by your generous spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners shall be converted to you.”

And that’s the moment that God became real to me. He had moved from a God in heaven, to a God in my heart. In that moment, I surrendered, I raised the white flag, and I gave my whole life to God, willing to do whatever he told me.

In 2006, I moved to Tampa, married my wife Carissa, and became a Youth Pastor. In 2015, while attending a church conference, I felt a clear call to plant a church. With the support of my church leadership, we began this journey in 2016, launching a campus that would later become Brave Church.

After a year of growth, it was clear that the church was ready to stand on its own. Today, I am honored to serve as the lead pastor of Brave Church, alongside Carissa and our four children, Lillian, Samuel, Emery, and Nathan. I’m in awe of all that God has done in my life.

Leadership Team