From a young age, Rachel Ross began living out her calling to ministry, inspired by the powerful example of faith and service of her grandmother. Today, as a lead pastor at Right Now Outreach, she leads with the same passion for sharing God’s love as her grandmother once did.
Growing up, much of Ross’ family was involved in ministry — her uncle, mother, and grandmother each embodying a commitment to serving God. She especially admired her grandmother who pastored a church in South Bend and even opened a homeless shelter in the church’s basement.
“I remember helping at the shelter as a child — she had a clothing closet and a soup kitchen,” Ross said. “My grandmother lived in such glory and joy all her life. She never quit or retired; she just loved people.”
Ross found herself stepping into leadership roles at a young age, ministering to other children at her grandmother’s church. By age 16, she was already leading her first youth group, serving as youth pastor for two years. These early experiences in ministry prepared her to step into the role that God had prepared for her as an adult.
“The opportunities God gave me at a young age sparked a fire in me — a drive to serve Jesus even more,” Ross said. “Without those early opportunities, I don't believe I would be where I am today.”
Though she was prophesied over as a child that she was called to ministry, Ross wasn’t ready to fully embrace that path right away. Initially, she planned to pursue cosmetology, attending beauty school while at Washington High School in South Bend. However, she soon realized that ministry is where she belongs.
“The Lord redirected my life, showing me that ministry was what He created me for,” Ross said. “I believe He has a purpose and a plan for each of us, and I’m focused on walking out the destiny He’s laid before me.”
As Ross continued to intern and work in local youth ministries, her husband received a prophetic vision from God in 2016, calling them to unite churches in serving low-income families through community outreach events. Together, they hosted their first outreach event — Party in the Park — in 2019, where they provided back-to-school supplies and created a space for community connection and support.
“The Lord told me, ‘Get behind your husband’s vision and push,’” Ross said. “I got behind that vision, and we’ve been doing it ever since. This year, over 60 different churches participated, with thousands of people coming through that day. It was truly amazing.”
For a time, Ross and her husband focused solely on outreach, building their ministry without a permanent church location. However, in 2020, things changed.
“The Lord woke me up in the middle of the night,” Ross said. “I went to my prayer spot, and I felt His presence so strongly. I heard Him say, ‘You’re turning a new page in your life,’ and I felt something shift. I tried to go back to bed, but the Holy Spirit kept prompting me to check my phone. When I did, I found out my grandmother had passed away.”
That night, Ross felt her grandmother’s spiritual mantle pass to her, leading her to start looking for a building to dedicate to their ministry. Six months later, after much prayer, she and her husband secured their first church building in downtown South Bend, where they began their journey as lead pastors at Right Now Outreach.
“Our first building was next to a liquor store and a club, and it just took off,” Ross said. “We witnessed so many miracles and lives transformed. People would be on their way to the club or the liquor store, but they’d end up coming into our building, receiving the love of Jesus, getting baptized, and completely turning their lives around.”
As their congregation continued to grow, they moved to a larger space at Hillside Missionary Church, where they’ve now been for over two years.
Through her ministry, Ross desires to show others the love of God and lead them into a personal relationship and connection with Him.
“My prayer is that people would truly comprehend the love of the Father for them,” Ross said. “My hope is for others to experience and receive the love of the Father, so they too can be filled.”
Reflecting on her journey, Ross sees how each opportunity she encountered in her youth led her to where she is today. Though hesitant at first, embracing her calling has unfolded into something amazing.
“For many years, I ran from the idea of pastoring,” Ross said. “I didn’t want to lead anything — I just wanted to serve and go work under someone else. When my grandma passed away in 2020, that's when God really placed the desire in me to lead, and it’s been beautiful.”