Blog 192 A. Rudolph Hendricks: A Retired Presbyterian Minister Conducts a Multifaceted Ministry in a Baptist Church

By Vernon M. Herron, family members and others

Guest Writers

Have you met the Reverend Doctor Amos Rudolph Hendricks? If not, this is a “must.” This distinguished personality and versatile soul is a scholar; a teacher; a husband; a father; a grandfather; a musician (organist and pianist); a choir member; a farmer; an animal-raiser and lover; a dress-code trend setter; a loyal fraternal brother; a retired Presbyterian minister; and an active member of a Baptist church ministerial staff, conducting a multifaceted ministry.

The Rev. A. Rudolph Hendricks has been married to the former Barbara Parks for 52 years. She is the critic and proof-reader for the Herron Speaks blog. She is a retired school teacher and administrator. She also teaches Latin at the Youth Opportunity University at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Hendricks is also the father of three children. His two sons are successful in their respective fields, and his daughter is an accomplished school teacher. She directs the children’s musical program at the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. The entire family is musical.

Dr. Henderick has seven grandchildren, two of whom were introduced in blog 138.  He sings in three church’s choirs, farms, is a lover of and raises farm animals, including dogs and horses; is an immaculate dresser; and is an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Greek fraternity. But the two dynamic forces of this unusual personality, are a retired Presbyterian ministry and a multifaceted Baptist ministry.

Rev. Hendricks served as pastor of four Presbyterian churches located in the Charlotte, Shelby, Huntersville and Shreveport, LA. areas. After retiring from a dynamic Presbyterian ministry, he and his family joined the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC seven years ago. He sings in three church choirs, is a member of the ministerial staff, consisting of serving as a worship leader, preaches, is a church greeter, assists in funeral and mid-week worship services, participates in the drama ministry and seasonal presentations.

In his own words, Dr. Hendricks says, “the transition has been easy. Serving on a ministerial staff in a Baptist church has allowed me to continue in the familiar role of leading the worship experience. Singing in three choirs provides many opportunities for me to use my musical skills. I remain cognizant that the denominational designation in a church’s name is secondary to its mission.  ‘Only what do for Christ will last.’”

This preacher is also the grandson of a Baptist minister. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC loves and welcomes this brother to its membership and staff where he is conducting a fantastic multifaceted ministry. The Friendship Baptist Church family is the richer because of the Hendricks family.