legacy
Honoring Apostle Ric
A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, visionary leader, teacher of the Word, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Apostle Ric Steele lived a life marked by humility, wisdom, innovation, and an unwavering passion for the Kingdom of God.
Early Life & Personal Passions
Outside of ministry, Apostle Ric was a gifted software engineer with a brilliant analytical mind. He had a deep love for hunting, enjoyed science fiction, and possessed a unique ability to connect practical thinking with spiritual revelation. Whether building systems, studying Scripture, or teaching others, he approached everything with creativity, intentionality, and excellence.
His ministry journey began in 1988 through music ministry, faithfully serving with his bass guitar and helping usher people into the presence of God through worship. In 1989, he married the love of his life, Prophetess Kathleen Steele. Together, they shared a God-given vision to see the gifts of the Holy Spirit restored and fully active within the Body of Christ. Their partnership in marriage and ministry became a powerful example of faith, unity, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s calling.
Marriage & Ministry Beginnings
His ministry journey began in 1988 through music ministry, faithfully serving with his bass guitar and helping usher people into the presence of God through worship. In 1989, he married the love of his life, Prophetess Kathleen Steele. Together, they shared a God-given vision to see the gifts of the Holy Spirit restored and fully active within the Body of Christ. Their partnership in marriage and ministry became a powerful example of faith, unity, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s calling.
The Foundation of Due Season Church
In 1995, Apostle Ric and Prophetess Kathleen launched a Bible study centered on prophetic training, spiritual growth, and equipping believers to hear the voice of God. What began as a small gathering of hungry believers soon became the foundation for what would grow into Due Season Church. In 1997, the ministry officially began in the Steele family living room, where lives were transformed through prayer, worship, discipleship, and the teaching of God’s Word.
As the ministry grew, the church began holding services in a facility near the Detroit River in 1998. Though the building was not yet their own, the location carried deep prophetic significance. Due Season Church had long embraced the vision of being “planted by rivers of living water,” drawing from scriptures such as Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17. To be planted and flourishing beside the Detroit River became a powerful reflection of the identity and calling God had placed upon the ministry from the very beginning.
Those early years by the river became a defining season marked by spiritual hunger, prophetic ministry, passionate worship, and a deep move of the Holy Spirit. Many lifelong relationships were formed there, and countless people encountered healing, deliverance, and transformation. In 2002, the ministry relocated to Oakland County, continuing to expand the vision God had entrusted to Apostle Ric and Prophetess Kathleen.
Raising Leaders & Equipping the Church
A passionate teacher and spiritual father, Apostle Ric believed deeply in biblical education and leadership development. In 2007, he founded RISEN! Bible School to train believers in sound doctrine, spiritual maturity, prophetic understanding, and Kingdom leadership. In 2010, he launched LITES Youth, investing in the next generation and empowering young people to walk boldly in their identity and calling in Christ.
A prolific author and teacher, Apostle Ric dedicated much of his life to writing resources that would equip the Body of Christ for generations to come. His books included Doors & Chambers, 7 Pillars, The Law of Exchange, Recognizing the Strongman, Words of Jesus, and many prophetic and apostolic training manuals that helped shape leaders, ministers, and believers both locally and abroad. His teachings carried both depth and clarity, helping many grow in their understanding of Scripture, spiritual gifts, spiritual warfare, and intimacy with God.
Expanding the Vision
With a heart for expansion and Kingdom advancement, Due Season South was launched in 2013, followed by the miraculous cash purchase of the North Campus building in 2016. Apostle Ric faithfully poured into leaders and believed in releasing sons and daughters into their God-given assignments. In 2017, he commissioned Pastors Payton and Janiris to lead the North Campus, and in 2022, he released Pastors Jovan and Sierra to lead the South Campus.
His Lasting Legacy
More than buildings, titles, or accomplishments, Apostle Ric’s greatest legacy was the lives he transformed through love, discipleship, wisdom, and prophetic ministry. He taught people how to hear the voice of God, walk by faith, and pursue a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. His life demonstrated steadfast faith, servant leadership, generosity, and complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
Though greatly missed, his impact continues through the countless sons and daughters in the faith he mentored, the churches he helped establish, the teachings he left behind, and the family he loved so deeply.
Apostle Ric Steele is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Steele; their children, Payton and Sierra; in-loves, Jovan and Janiris; bonus children, Nate and Ada; and grandchildren, Roman, Lucas, Raelynn, Mateo, Judah, Marcos, Elianna, and Mila.
His life remains a testimony of obedience, vision, and enduring faith, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.