In 1984, during a testimony time on a Sunday evening, Rich realized that he had never truly accepted Christ as his Savior, though he had been raised in a Christian home and had attended church all of his life.  In 1988, he was ordained as a deacon, and in 1990, after much soul-searching, Rich acknowledged God's call to vocational ministry.  A few months later, Rich quit his job at Southern Bell.  The family pulled up stakes and moved to Ft. Worth, TX.  There, Rich attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating in December, 1996 with his Master of Arts in Theology degree.

After seminary, from 1997 through 2002, Rich pastored in the North Georgia area.  He became Senior Pastor here at Forest Hills in August of 2002.

Rich's wife of 29 years, Lynndale, holds a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and a Master's Degree in Education.  She has taught high school Spanish for 11 years.  She is currently serving the church as pianist in the 11:00 am and 6:00 pm services.

Rich and Lynndale have three children.  Walter,  is married and lives in Ft. Worth, TX, Russell is a student at West Georgia University in Carrolton, Georgia and Laura is a student at the University of North Alabama here in Florence.

The Hardemans feel blessed to have "come home" to their place of ministry.