Pastor Dick has been our Minister for the Birmingham Church Family since 2008. He finally answered the “call” after a successful career in business, teaching and coaching. He grew up in Oberlin and married his High School sweetheart Lorna in 1969. After graduating from Valparaiso University in 1970, and attending Graduate School at Kent State, and Portland State University, Dick accepted the Associate Professor position at Concordia College. Their first Son, Lawrence was born in Portland, Oregon as Dick was teaching Geography and coaching the men's basketball team at Concordia. After four years, and another son, Bob’s birth, the Kretchmar family moved to Texas, and enjoyed the Lone Stars BBQ and hospitality until returning “HOME” to Oberlin in 1977; where their third and “last-best” son Steve was born.

After 20 plus years in various Sales/Marketing Management positions, including National Marketing Mgr. for a Cleveland plastics molding company, Pastor Dick began his “Pastoral Journey” which brought him to the East Ohio Conference, Firelands District, of the Methodist Church and a full-time Local Pastor position at BMC.