Rev. Dr. Richard Lane Stryker III is a United Methodist elder and soon to be pastor (July 1, 2026) of Faith United Methodist Church in Clay Alabama. He is a pastor, life journey coach, author, chaplain, church executive and prophetic voice for social justice.  

He has a passion for reminding believers that Jesus calls us to love God and neighbor. Whatever we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, we do unto God.  

His son is Waddy and daughter is Finda. Finda is in high school and Waddy lives in Massachusetts. Pastor Stryker enjoys technology, oil painting and writing. His books include “Multiracial Church Dynamics: Possibilities & Challenges” and “Forged from Chaos: Stories and Reflections from Liberia at War.” 

A lifelong learner, he holds Bachelor of Theology degree (1986) from Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary; Master of Arts in Religion (1989) and Master of Divinity (1993) from Memphis Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry (2009) from The School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee. 

Over the years, Rev. Stryker’s roles have included six years as a District Superintendent in the North Alabama Conference and two years as Executive Director of Ethnic Ministries. He has served various churches in Liberia, Tennessee and Alabama. His current roles include Executive Director of Collaborative Coaching Network of SBC21 and Spiritual Caregiver of Alabama Hospice Care.  

Originally from Liberia, Rev. Stryker has a unique ancestry, including descendant of: the first black bishop in the United Methodist Church, Bishop Francis Burns; first black bishop in the US House of Bishops in the Episcopal Church, Bishop S. D. Ferguson; and the founder of the Harrist movement in West Africa, Prophet William Waddy Harris.  

Pastor Stryker writes, “It is with excitement that I look forward to serving alongside the leaders and members of Faith UMC in Clay as we together reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ and his love for our friends and strangers alike.”