Few leaders carry the same level of passion for the local church as Pastor Dino Rizzo. After nearly four decades of ministry, he still speaks about the church with the excitement of someone whose life was changed by it. For Rizzo, the church isn’t just a building or an institution—it’s the place where lost people find hope, where families are restored, and where communities are transformed.
A Life Changed Through Outreach
Dino Rizzo didn’t grow up in church. Raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, he admits he was “doing what lost people do.” But everything shifted when a small church in Tabor City, North Carolina, decided to do an outreach. That single act of kindness introduced him to the love of Jesus and set him on a new path.
“I came to Christ because of the church,” Rizzo recalls. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the church. I’m a church fan, a church cheerleader. I’m pro-church.”
That encounter fuels his passion to this day. For Rizzo, the church isn’t just an institution—it’s a family, a rescue mission, and a place where broken lives are made whole.
Choosing Compassion Over Criticism
In today’s world, criticism of the church often comes easily. Stories of failure, hypocrisy, or hurt dominate headlines and conversations. But Dino Rizzo has chosen a different posture.
“I know there’s pain. I know there’s hurt. I know there’s disappointment. That’s called humanity,” he says. “But I’m not going to be the judge and jury. I’m going to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
This perspective allows him to stay rooted in hope, even after years of ministry challenges. Rather than focusing on the failures of the church, he chooses to celebrate the countless stories of transformation that happen within it.
One of the reasons Rizzo continues to love the church is because he has experienced its grace personally. He openly acknowledges his own failures and shortcomings but points to God’s mercy—and the support of faithful friends and mentors—as what has sustained him.
From pastors like Chris Hodges and Greg Surratt to his intercessors and close friends, Dino Rizzo has surrounded himself with a community that believes in accountability, prayer, and encouragement. That kind of support, he believes, is essential for every pastor and every church.
Why the Church Still Matters
For Dino Rizzo, the case for the local church is simple: without it, countless people—including himself—would never know Christ. Every act of generosity, every small group meeting, every Sunday service creates opportunities for people to encounter the gospel.
“Yes, the church has flaws,” Rizzo admits. “But it’s still God’s chosen vessel to reach the world. And I’m going to spend my life cheering for it.”
After 40 years of ministry, Dino Rizzo’s conviction hasn’t wavered. The church is still the hope of the world—not because it’s perfect, but because Jesus works through it.
About Dino Rizzo
Dino Rizzo, a 40-year ministry veteran, co-founded Healing Place Church with his wife, DeLynn, where he served as senior pastor for two decades. Through his passion for inspiring believers to serve their communities, Dino Rizzo founded Servolution and authored “Serve Your City.” Rizzo serves as the President of ARC (Association of Related Churches), which has planted more than 1100 churches worldwide, and is on the Senior Leadership Team at Church of the Highlands.
Educator. Writer. Editor. Proofreader. Lauren Carpenter's vast career and academic experiences have strengthened her conviction in the power of words. She has developed content for a globally recognized real estate corporation, as well as respected magazines like Virginia Living Magazine and Southern Review of Books.
