Getting to Know You: Ronnie and Rhonda Rice
‘Getting to Know You’ introduces you to pastors and ministry leaders within the Fellowship of European International Church network. In this story, we feature Ronnie and Rhonda Rice, senior pastors of Life Church Lisbon.
Where are you originally from?
Both Rhonda and I are originally from Texas, although we have lived in various states and cities across the United States. We both consider North Texas our home region. Rhonda spent her early childhood in Honduras, where her parents served as missionaries and helped to build an orphanage. Her family returned to Texas when she was ten years old and settled south of Dallas, where she remained until graduating from Bible college. Rhonda loves working with her hands, particularly crocheting and sewing. She is a talented worship leader and piano player, and she teaches crochet at a Christian school in Lisbon.
Ronnie grew up primarily in Texas but has lived in several different states. He began his life attending the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses with his mother, who was raised as a JW. His family was saved in 1978 in Austin, TX. His dad later pastored a church in Northeast Texas. He plays the piano and several other musical instruments and has a passion for computers and the tech industry.
Where did you attend college/university?
We met while studying at Ozark Bible Institute and College and married shortly after graduation. We both attended Ozark Bible Institute and College in Neosho, Missouri. Ronnie holds a Bachelor of Biblical Literature and is currently working on his master’s degree in theology.
Where did you serve in ministry before coming to Lisbon?
Our ministry journey began in Sherman, Texas, where we served as the principal of a Christian school. We later pioneered a church in Corpus Christi, Texas, and pastored churches in Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. Additionally, we worked in the Canary Islands, assisting in the planting of an international church in southern Tenerife.
How (and when) did God lead you to Portugal?
We sensed a call to serve in Europe and approached our leadership with a desire to be involved in church planting or revitalizing. In response, Dan and Joy West invited us to assist with LIFE Church in Lisbon. We arrived in Portugal in 2022. Ronnie assumed the role of senior pastor in February 2024.
Tell us about the makeup of your church. Do you know how many nations are represented?
Our congregation is quite international and transient. Over the past three years, we have welcomed individuals and families from the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Pakistan, China, Brazil, Finland, Israel, and the Netherlands. People often stay for a brief period before relocating elsewhere in Portugal, Europe, or returning to their home countries.
Describe some of the ministries in which the church is active.
Our ministries evolve based on the needs and availability of those attending. Currently, we host a discipleship group at a local coffee shop. Rhonda leads a children’s ministry that is integrated into our weekly services. Pastor Dan West and several members are also active in evangelistic outreach through *On the Red Box* on Saturday evenings in the city center.
What makes the city of Lisbon unique in terms of culture, international atmosphere, and Christian impact?
Lisbon is characterized by cultural and linguistic diversity. Many come to Portugal in search of better opportunities, although most stay only temporarily. Finding adequate employment and housing is challenging, particularly for immigrants who often wait up to two years for temporary residency. While Portuguese is the official language, English is widely spoken, serving as a common bridge language for international residents. Within the last five years, the influx of foreign investments has significantly driven up the cost of living, forcing many native Portuguese residents to relocate outside the city. Lisbon is also a culinary crossroads, providing access to nearly every global cuisine. Portugal’s food and coffee rank among the best in Europe.
What attracted you to international church ministry?
With over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, pioneering, and church revitalization, as well as pastoring multicultural churches, we find LIFE Church to be a fitting context for our calling and gifting. We are passionate about discipleship and equipping believers to grow in their faith. The opportunity to serve people from many nations aligns with our heart for missions and ministry development.
What do you see as some of the most pressing challenges of the church in Portugal?
Two key challenges stand out. First, our current church location is far from the last bus stop, making it difficult for people without personal vehicles to attend. We are seeking a space closer to a central transit hub, specifically near Oriente Station in the Park of the Nations. Second, the transient nature of our congregation presents a challenge for continuity in discipleship and community. In addition, there are over six English-speaking Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Lisbon. Furthermore, immigrants face financial hardship due to limited job opportunities, linguistic barriers, and the cost of housing, which contribute further to this instability.
What challenges do you face personally as pastors of an international church in Lisbon?
One of the most challenging aspects of our ministry is being separated from our children and grandchildren in the United States. Some of our children are not walking with the Lord, and we deeply desire to have a greater spiritual influence in their lives. Pastoring in a transient environment is also demanding. While we are committed to discipleship and teaching, limited meeting times and the complexities of members’ schedules (work, transit, family) make sustained engagement difficult.
What have you learned about international church ministry while serving in Portugal?
We have learned that people rarely stay long-term. Cultural diversity must be understood, respected, and integrated into pastoral care. While everyone’s background differs, the core human and spiritual needs remain consistent: community, prayer, biblical teaching, and personal care. As pastors, we are often called upon to pray for urgent needs, offer counsel, and provide pastoral presence in the midst of instability. We have also become increasingly aware of the spiritual climate in Portugal. Since the 1974 Carnation Revolution and the weakening of the Catholic Church’s influence, many have turned to New Age, occult, and pagan practices to fill the spiritual void.
What do you find fulfilling about serving at LIFE Church Lisbon?
We find great fulfillment in building community, discipling new believers, and equipping young adults for ministry within and beyond LIFE Church. Our calling is to live life with people, share the love of Christ, and mentor the next generation of spiritual leaders.
What kind of value does the FEIC network bring to new international church pastors like yourselves?
FEIC connects us with others who face similar challenges and opportunities in ministry. The biannual gatherings provide much-needed encouragement, shared wisdom, and relational support. These connections have been vital for our spiritual renewal, refreshment, fellowship, and practical insight.
How can fellow FEIC pastors pray for you?
Please join us in prayer for a new ministry location that is accessible by public transit. We call this our “1-Kilometer Vision”—to secure a facility that accommodates 100 people within one kilometer of Oriente Station in the Park of the Nations. This move would enable us to offer more services, increase our outreach, and grow our community. Currently, we can only meet on Sunday evenings in a borrowed facility, which, although adequate, is too distanced from major transit lines.
