Dr. Ron Klassen is a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and the Executive Director Emeritus of the Rural Home Missionary Association (RHMA), where he provided decades of visionary leadership to strengthen and encourage rural churches across North America.

Before joining RHMA, Ron served as pastor of rural churches in Nebraska and Oklahoma. These early years in local church ministry deeply shaped his understanding of rural communities and fueled his lifelong commitment to equipping pastors who serve in places often overlooked but rich with gospel potential.

Dr. Klassen earned his B.A. from John Brown University, his Th.M. from Dallas Theological Seminary, and his D. Min. from Bethel Seminary. His academic background, combined with extensive ministry experience, has made him a sought-after teacher. He has served as a guest professor or lecturer at numerous Bible colleges, universities, and seminaries, where he brings both scholarship and practical insight to the classroom.

A gifted communicator, Ron has preached in churches across the country and spoken at countless pastors’ conferences. He is a frequent seminar leader, known for his ability to encourage, challenge, and equip ministry leaders with clarity and compassion. His writing includes dozens of articles—several published in Leadership Journal—and multiple influential books. He is the author of Maximize! Leveraging the Strengths of Your Small Church and coauthor of No Little Places: The Untapped Potential of the Small-Town Church and Leading Through Change: Shepherding the Town and Country Church in a New Era. His work continues to serve as a key resource for pastors navigating the unique dynamics of rural ministry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron treasures his family. He and his wife, Roxy, have been married since 1977 and share a rich life together. They are the proud parents of three children, and their family has grown to include a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and two beloved granddaughters.