Higher Ground International Church
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OUR PASTOR
Rev. Dr. Joseph Rice
Rev. Dr. Joseph Rice is the youngest child of the late James and Mary Catherine Rice of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is a gifted author, preacher, teacher and singer. He traveled the world to Tokyo, London, Spain and other countries as the lead singer of the world renowned Fairfield Four. He has earned a Dove Award, two Stellar Awards, a Country Music Award and two Grammy Awards as well as induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Dr. Rice holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Christian Education, a Bachelor and Masters of Theology Degree from Emmanuel Bible College and a Doctorate of Divinity from United Theological College.
Dr. Rice is in Clinical Pastor Education (CPE) training at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital and is currently working towards a Business Degree from Trevecca University.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Rice is the founder and Senior Pastor of Higher Ground International Church. Dr. Rice is married to the former Cheryl Babb who serves as his Assistant Pastor. They have three sons: Dwayne, Deren and Jordan, two Grandsons, Gabriel and Roman and two grand puppies, Rufus and Huggy.
Dr. Rice is a sportsman who enjoys football, basketball and a leisurely round of golf. He is community oriented and has served as the President of Spiritual Affairs for the Nashville Chapter of the NAACP and Chaplain of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Dr. Rice has authored two books titled "The Process" and "When Santa Meets Jesus" and has a podcast titled "Dinner Time with Rev. Dr. Joseph Rice".
"And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd"
Ezekiel 34:23 KJV
OUR FIRST LADY
Rev. First Lady Cheryl Rice
Rev. First Lady Cheryl Rice spent her childhood in Williamson County. She is the third child of the late Henry and Susie Babb. She is a graduate of Nashville State Community College and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Tennessee State University. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has published poems with the International Library of Poetry. She shares her love for the arts through praise and worship incorporated into preaching, teaching, singing, drama, mime and praise dance.
Rev. First Lady Rice received her minister’s license in June 2003 and was ordained in August 2004. She holds a certification in Christian Grief Counseling. She has a love for teaching the word of God and a vocational calling for Women's Ministry and Elder Care.
