What is First Hand Truth?
As a pastor of many years I know what a struggle it is to do everything. In the last few years I was youth pastor, family pastor, worship pastor, and children’s pastor in charge of seeing that some 7 weekly lesson preps would occur and be worth people’s time. You probably wear many hats too. In the middle of all that output it is easy to miss things – even important things.
That being said, I was also a pastor who desired to see people move from being spectators in the realm of Bible study to participants. Much of what I did in either youth groups or in worship services was designed to get people and their Bibles to spend time together. In that – I know I could have done better. Thus, my new endeavor and my life ministry.
First Hand Truth aims to equip individuals to study God’s Word for themselves. Its mission is twofold: to foster greater desire to study the Word and to provide education and training that builds confidence in personal study.
We achieve this through weekly, local opportunities and workshops in Battle Creek, Michigan, as well as through speaking engagements or workshops with individuals, families, churches, and schools, both locally and distant.
Secondarily, First Hand Truth exists to encourage churches and their leaders to likewise promote, encourage, and equip people to study scripture for themselves. How can we help your church make disciples of Jesus? We are seeking to partner with churches to make this a reality. I would appreciate some discussion with interested pastors like yourselves on how we can be an encouragement in this way.
The Origins of First Hand Truth
My name is Rick McNally, I have a BA in Bible Theology from Moody Bible Institute (1989) and have been in church ministry since 1992. I have been in pastorates at two different churches over the bulk of those years. I’ve been married to Katherine since 1991, and we have five adult children.
In the spring of 2025 I was assessing my ministry and my life goal and felt the nudge to focus on equipping people to study the Bible for themselves. I spent the summer of 2025 studying and dreaming about the “how” and the “why” and the “where” and the like – beginning to think through the theology and the methodology of such a ministry. In the fall of 2025 and the early part of 2026 we held eight workshops (primarily in the Battle Creek area) and I believe we have seen great success. The comments that I have received back from participants are overwhelmingly positive and these encourage my heart to continue down this same line and see what the Lord makes of it.
I believe that God desires and has enabled every believer in this world to be able to read and study the Bible for themselves. It is how they know God on a personal level, it is how they learn truth, it is how they are discipled most efficiently, it is how they are empowered and encouraged, it is beautiful and powerful in ways that words cannot fully describe. People need to be encouraged and engaged to go to the river and drink fully for themselves.
I strongly believe in the ministry of connecting people to the Word of God and motivating and enabling them to do so. Connecting people with Jesus and letting Jesus disciple them is a noble goal – and it is part of God’s great commission.
Thank you for your consideration and prayers.
Here’s How to Get Involved
- Get to know more about First Hand Truth
I’d love to connect and talk more or meet in person to discuss this ministry. You can reach me at (mcnally.rick@gmail.com). - Attend one of the scheduled workshops personally
By doing so you can see firsthand (pun intended) if these things are something you want to promote or host at your organization. I think the vision for this ministry is clearest when you witness it in action at one of these sessions for yourself. - Schedule a workshop for your leadership team
I realize that churches should vet what they promote, and first hand experience can help you see the validity or the helpfulness of a ministry. If you can’t make it to a scheduled workshop, I’d be more than happy to put one together for you and your team to participate in. - Organize a session for your church — after talking to me or experiencing the ministry of First Hand Truth I would love to help you host an event at your church!
- Whole church encouragement to Study Scripture
I can come and speak in short form (5-10 minutes) or long form (a message or a lesson) to encourage first-hand study of Scripture. I would love to share my vision with others!
List of Workshops
Here is a list of current workshops I am offering at our facility or that you could host at your church: Most of these are designed to be presented in 2 hour blocks. They could be shortened slightly, or even lengthened slightly. Consider hosting one of these at your organization.
Bringing the Testaments Together: The Messiah / A look at how the Messiah is/was predicted and how Jesus is the message of the Old Testament. Such wonderful concepts elucidate the person of Christ, encourage the soul of a believer and give witness to the truths of God’s Word. If you are not sure you believe, studying these ideas will encourage you to do just that.
How to Study the Bible for Yourself, Part 1 the Basics / Learn and participate in a workshop demonstrating the basic aspects of Bible Study.
How to Study the Bible for Yourself, Part 2 / Move beyond the basics into word studies, Greek grammar helps, etc. / also a little more on interpretation
How to Study the Bible for Spiritual Growth / Be proactive about your growth in Christ through strategies of study with the intention of growing in Christ
How to Study the Psalms / Learn the basic qualities and attributes of the Psalms, learn how to study them deeper for yourself
Motivation for Study: A Team study of Psalm 119 / Consider the many benefits and aspects paying attention to the Word of God, see through the Psalmist’s eyes the grandiose nature of Scripture and the God who spoke the words
How to Use Technology to Deepen your Study / Learn how to utilize Logos Bible Software to make your study even better
How to Do a Great Topical Bible Study / Find out how to look at how an aspect of faith or theology is presented in a wider selection of scripture so as to shed more light on your understanding. This helps with our understanding of individual passages as we gain a broader Biblical swath of truth to consider the meaning of a specific passage.
How to Study the Bible for Personal Restoration / For those who are burned out, dry, discouraged, hurt or just need a bit of a spark in their spiritual life. God’s word promises it can help restore people! (Note: this class is not a substitution for mental health professionals – it is meant to be an assisting factor in personal recovery).
What’s the Deal with the Old Testament? / A flyover of the books, the themes, and the message of the Old Testament. Genesis to Malachi in two-hours flat.
What’s the Deal with the New Testament? / A flyover of the books, the themes and the message of the New Testament. “We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there” moving from Matthew through Revelation.
First Hand Truth 