Butch Ritter

Old Mission’s senior pastor always thought he’d be “Dr. Ritter” one day. He wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and become a doctor as a way of serving the Lord. But instead of practicing medicine, Butch finds himself preaching the Gospel.

“My father (a medical doctor) always wanted to be a medical missionary,” Butch says. “But he got drafted into World War II, and when he came home he decided he wanted to be a doctor to ore miners and their families in southeast Kansas and later New Mexico. He was called to be a medical missionary, but he didn’t fully follow that call. But the fact that my dad was called, and knew it, helped to open my eyes to what God might be calling me to do.”

Then came college. It turns out chemistry and English sealed his fate. “I hated chemistry,” Butch says, and as a medical student that wasn’t a good thing. Then he took an English literature class called “The Bible as Literature” which helped him begin to view all the characters in the Bible as human beings. “When Moses and David and Peter and all the rest came alive for me is the time period during which a call to ordained ministry was most clear,” he says. “I transferred to a United Methodist school —  McMurry University in Texas — and became a religion major. After getting a B.A., I entered seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City where I received my Master’s. During those years and following years, God has provided confirmation of my call to ministry in countless ways and through countless people.”

Since becoming a minister, Butch has served churches on the Navajo Reservation (in northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona) as well as in the Kansas towns of Emporia, Meriden, Ozawkie, Parsons, and now Fairway. He was also the first full-time Minister to the University at Baker University, Baldwin, Kan., where he led weekly non-required chapel services and also led the Baker Ambassadors — students who went out to churches prepared to lead worship.

Currently, Pastor Ritter is responsible for the order of the church (administrative and ministry functions), preaching, and direction at Old Mission. He takes joy in presiding at Holy Communion and is especially honored to lead weddings, baptisms and funeral services.

Butch sees Romans 8:28-39 as a verse that is a central part of his faith; he still marvels at the fact that nothing separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

More fun facts about Butch:

What’s your favorite food(s)?

I love Mexican food (and for those who have visited a restaurant in New Mexico, when asked I always say, “Green!”).

What are some of your favorite movies?

“Cool Hand Luke,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and intelligent comedies

What’s your favorite sports team?

I like the Jayhawks, the Chiefs and the Royals (although I still have not forgiven baseball for the 1994 strike).

Who inspires you?

Martin Luther King, Jr. — he’s still is the best preacher I’ve ever heard, and he continues to be an inspiration.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect day is golf, supper with the family, and then holding a grandchild until she falls asleep.

Tell us about your family...

Cathy and I have three grown sons; all are married and two of them have a daughter each. They all live within 45 minutes of us, although they are in different directions.