Bio

Recognizing his need of salvation, Ralph Nevin accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 17. He attended Bob Jones University, where he majored in Bible to prepare for whatever type of ministry the Lord led him to do.

After graduating from BJU in 1973, Ralph married Debra Monson, and they began their ministry together at Arlington Baptist High School in Baltimore. He taught Bible and coached, and she served as the administrator’s secretary. He credits teaching those teenagers as a great training ground for learning how to effectively communicate and apply the Word of God. While there, he also gained experience teaching adults in the church’s Bible institute.

Seven years later, he and his wife both felt the Lord’s leading to become more involved in church ministry. Ralph then accepted a position as assistant pastor at Church of the Open Door in Westminster, MD, where he received some pastoral experience and was ordained. Debra learned sign language and became involved in the church’s deaf ministry.

The Nevins went on to serve in three more churches. Beginning in 1983, Ralph served for 17 years as senior pastor at Mehoopany Baptist Church in Mehoopany, PA. The church grew under his leadership and started several new ministries: outreach to the deaf, AWANA, men’s and ladies’ Bible studies, and an annual sportsmen’s banquet. Then they moved to Pulaski, NY, to minister for three years at Calvary Baptist Church before the Lord directed them back to Maryland to meet the needs of Ralph’s failing parents. For 20 years they served at First Baptist Church in Prince Frederick, MD, and then retired from that ministry in February 2022. They left with many wonderful memories and a deep love for the people.

In April 2022 the Nevins actively began their interim ministry with GFA. Ralph is presently serving as interim pastor at his very first church in Mehoopany, PA.

Ralph enjoys fishing, hunting, and metal detecting. He is involved with the area schools as a soccer referee and a softball/baseball umpire. He and Deb love to travel, hike, and meet new people all over the country and the world. Their oldest and middle sons are both involved in ministry as a missionary and chaplain respectively. Their youngest son is a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Their “boys” have provided them with 12 grandchildren, 10 of which are boys—of course!—ages 4 to 23.