Rusty Savage is comfortable in his own skin—or in a vest and a cowboy hat—or on horseback.

From the time the 51-year old minister was 15, he felt a strong calling to serve God and people. Savage said even back then “I had made my decision.” Savage strives to be a role model to his community but in very humble manner. Savage is pastor of The First Baptist Church in Platte City, Missouri.

He finds his reflective time on the back of his horse Duke. He likes the solitude. “It engages me on a personal level so I can forget other things on my mind. There is a simplicity to it.”

Savage lives a life of integrity. “I want people to see my life, how my relationship with Jesus is, so that they can do the same. I am the same person no matter where I am. That even comes down to how I dress.”