Pastor Cody has served as vacancy pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church since September 1, 2026.

Rev. Cody grew up in Tomball, Texas, attending and graduating Tomball Lutheran School and then on to graduate from Tomball High School (‘88). After graduation, he continued his education at Concordia Lutheran College, Austin, Texas, (now Concordia University-Texas), earning a B.S. in Behavioral Sciences (‘92).  Upon graduation from college, he attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, earning his Master of Divinity (M.Div. ‘96).

While at Concordia, Austin, he met and married the love of his life, Michelle (Farley), who also attended Concordia.  Michelle is a native of Texas and started her life in Amarillo, TX, Hereford, TX, and then on to Rockwall, TX, where she graduated high school (‘89).  

Rick and Michelle are blessed with two sons, Ryan (35) born in Austin, TX, and Cameron (28) born in Texarkana, TX. Ryan & Hannah (Ryan’s wife) live and work in Joplin, MO. Ryan is a counselor and Hannah is of the home.  Rick and Michelle are proud grandparents to seven grandchildren. Cameron & Kayla (Cameron’s wife) live in Cassville, MO. Cameron currently works for the Cassville School District in Cassville, MO, and Kayla coaches volleyball in the Pierce City, MO, school district.