Meet the Founders: Rick and Val Hughes
Rick and Val Hughes have a combined 60+ years of experience in pastoral leadership, curriculum design, and organizational consulting. As dedicated UPCI Global Educators, they bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for Apostolic ministry to their roles. They impact lives through both local and international ministry education. Their work aims to equip church leaders and individuals worldwide, strengthening the Apostolic community across diverse cultural contexts.
Valeria Hughes, M.Ed
Val Hughes served alongside her husband, Rick, as Pastor of Victory Worship Center in Ponca City for 30 years. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Texas. She has also partnered alongside her husband to serve the Oklahoma District United Pentecostal Church in various leadership roles for the past 30 years, the last 23 years serving as District Secretary-Treasurer/CFO.
Val is the consummate educator and powerfully impacts her students. She has served in various roles for Ponca City Public Schools for the past 27 years and as an adjunct professor at Northern Oklahoma College. She is an accomplished curriculum developer, having written a Christian education curriculum for Word Aflame Press for many years. Currently serving as a curriculum creator for GATS (Global Association of Theological Studies), she is also a certified Global Educator for UPCI Global Missions.
Val and her husband, Rick, are passionate about working with college-aged students. They have served in numerous roles at Oklahoma Youth Camps for the past 30 years and have coordinated the HYPHEN Camp for college-aged students for the past 15 years. They recently were instrumental in launching the NextGen Leader initiative to provide more significant opportunities to influence this generation.
Val Hughes brings her background in education and curriculum design to her role as a global educator within UPCI. Her contributions to GATS include the development of theological and ministry training curricula that support over 11,000 students each year. Her work ensures that foundational Apostolic teachings are accessible to students around the globe, equipping them to serve in their local communities and beyond.
Emily Anderson
Emily Anderson is a skilled photographer and branding specialist dedicated to capturing the essence of Kingdom Advance Ministry’s team. As a certified expert in SEO, branding, and marketing for businesses and nonprofits, Emily supports Rick and Val Hughes with impactful brand development and marketing strategy. Her expertise enhances Kingdom Advance’s online presence, ensuring it resonates with its mission and reaches a broader audience. Through headshots, visuals, and strategic brand insights, Emily is crucial in bringing the ministry’s vision to life.
Rick A. Hughes, BA
Rick Hughes and his wife and life partner Val served as Pastor of Victory Worship Center in Ponca City for 30 years. The congregation experienced significant growth, transitioning to more extensive facilities twice. He earned degrees in theology from Apostolic Bible Institute and in business/banking and finance from OKC Community College. He has served the Oklahoma District United Pentecostal Church in various leadership roles for the past 30 years, the last 23 years serving as District Secretary-Treasurer/CFO.
Rick has taught leadership and organizational development classes as an adjunct instructor in the Business & Industry Center at Pioneer Technology Center and theology and leadership sessions in various venues nationwide. He is a certified presenter who frequently travels to present “Real Colors” personality seminars in churches, businesses, and other organizations. He is also a certified Global Educator for UPCI Global Missions.
Rick and his wife, Val, are passionate about working with college-aged students. They served in numerous roles at Oklahoma Youth Camps for 30 years and coordinated the HYPHEN Camp for college-aged students for 15 years. They recently were instrumental in launching the NextGen Leader initiative to provide more significant opportunities to influence this generation.
With a background in business and theology, Rick Hughes serves as a certified global educator for UPCI. He partners with Bible colleges and churches internationally to strengthen ministerial skills and doctrinal understanding. His expertise in creating and delivering theological education has reached students in diverse cultural contexts, contributing to the growth of Apostolic churches worldwide.
Anissia Barnett, MSW
Anissia Barnett is the founder of Bright Social Media Solutions, a digital marketing company dedicated to helping small businesses grow their online presence with clarity and confidence.
With years of experience managing social media content for local franchises and community-focused brands, Anissia developed a deep understanding of the challenges small business owners face when trying to balance operations, customer service, and marketing. Recognizing that social media often falls to the bottom of the priority list, she launched Bright Social Media Solutions to provide business owners with strategic, reliable support.
Anissia combines creative storytelling with data-informed strategy to help brands build meaningful connections with their audiences. Through thoughtful content, intentional messaging, and consistent brand presence, she helps businesses strengthen their voice online and turn engagement into growth.
Her approach is rooted in collaboration and care—ensuring every post, caption, and campaign reflects the heart of the business it represents. Anissia believes that when small businesses are equipped with the right tools and strategy, they can confidently show up online and truly shine.
Our Core Services
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Leadership Development and Organizational Consulting
Rick and Val guide churches and nonprofits in strategic planning, organizational growth, and leadership enhancement. With decades of leadership in pastoral and administrative roles, they help clients foster healthy church environments and build strong, sustainable organizations.
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Team-Building and Personality Development Workshops
Through tailored team-building programs and personality development workshops like "Real Colors," Rick and Val help church teams and ministry groups enhance interpersonal understanding, strengthen collaboration, and build cohesive teams. Their workshops equip participants with the tools to serve effectively and harmoniously within their ministries.
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Educational Curriculum Design and Training
Val’s extensive experience in curriculum development has made her an asset to theological education globally. As a curriculum creator for the Global Association of Theological Studies (GATS), she develops Apostolic resources for international ministry training, supporting students and leaders in over 120 countries.
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NextGen Leader Mentorship Programs
With a passion for reaching younger generations, Rick and Val lead the "NextGen Leader" initiative, providing mentorship and training for college-aged students. This program prepares young leaders for ministry roles by fostering personal growth, doctrinal grounding, and leadership skills.
Become a Partner
Thank you for being so interested in investing in Kingdom Advance Ministry. We are a totally self-supporting endeavor, relying 100% on our speaking engagements in the United States and partners like you to fund all aspects of our ministry fully. Outside of international travel costs, we have state-side traveling costs, living costs, and resource costs for workshops.
“Be true to the process.”
-VAL HUGHES
“Kingdom Advance is a MUST HAVE tool for any church desiring to train their church leaders in competencies needed for expanding a gospel-centered, multiplying church. They are seasoned subject-matter experts that know how to get behind the leader’s vision to assist in reaching any community.”
— NextGen Leader out of Oklahoma