Pacer Hepperly on When Obedience Looks Like Risk

The One Big Thing with Steve Campbell

In this episode of my One Big Thing podcast, I connect with my pastor, mentor, and friend — Pacer Hepperly. As the senior pastor of Rio Revolution Church, a multi-site campus that reaches over 13,000 people and streams into 35 correctional facilities, Pacer’s journey is anything but conventional.

From humble beginnings in a broken home and working in a factory with no clear direction, to launching a successful car dealership and eventually stepping into full-time ministry at the age of 43, Pacer shares how his life has been shaped not by one defining moment, but by a series of small, faithful decisions.

Together, we unpack the significance of patience, perseverance, and obedience — especially when you don’t have a plan B. We discuss how to make difficult life decisions, the role of wise counsel, and how God confirms His direction in our lives, even when the details are unclear. Pacer also opens up about his unexpected call to prison ministry and the powerful impact it’s having across 35 jails.

Whether you’re leading a business, a family, or finding your way through a season of uncertainty, this episode offers real-world wisdom, spiritual insight, and hope for those asking, “What’s next for me?”

Key Takeaways:

• Why success is often the result of doing “a lot of small things right”
• The power of patience and staying faithful through long seasons
• How to discern the difference between faith and foolishness in decision-making
• Why seeking wise, experienced voices is crucial when you’re navigating big life changes
• The beautiful story of how one church is restoring hope in prisons across the region

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Pacer Hepperly is the senior pastor of Revolution Church, a multi-campus church in Maryville, Tennessee. Since accepting the Lord’s call to preach, Pastor Hepperly has dedicated his life to serving his congregation and the communities within Blount County.

Along with Revolution Church, he founded Revolution Christian Academy, (RCA), a thriving Christian school that serves ages 2-5 and grades K-5th, and focuses on using Biblical core values to educate students.

Pastor Pacer has an extraordinary passion for discipleship and community outreach.

Pacer and his wife Connie have been married for more than 30 years. They share two sons, Josh and Hunter, two amazing daughters-in-law, Codi and Stacey, and six grandchildren.

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