Dustin Hinkle ’07 is the lead pastor at River of Life Church in Hastings, MN. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a missionary in China for 10 years and in bi-vocational ministry in Pullman, WA for four years. With a foundation in business administration and public speaking, Hinkle’s journey reflects his faith-driven adaptability and dedication to service. He is passionate about preaching God’s Word, training leaders, international missions, and discipling the next generation. In this Q&A, Hinkle shares how his time at Bushnell shaped his ministry and the importance of trusting God’s guidance through life’s unexpected turns.
Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?
I am currently the lead pastor at River of Life Church in Hastings, MN. So my typical day looks like a whole lot of study and sermon preparation, a number of meetings for counseling, administration of prayer and other communication, planning, outreach, discipleship and care. Every day and every week is a bit different!
How did your education at Bushnell University prepare you for your career path?
I think two things really helped from my university study with my current profession. First, I was a public speaking minor and learned so much from professors about good communication and the ability to speak in front of groups of people. I don’t think I would have the confidence or skills to preach as I do had it not been for those classes. But I also learned how to learn. I had to always know how to learn but my classes and professors at university really helped me to hone those skills. Now I am in a job where I am constantly needing to learn, study, and address a variety of needs and issues with my congregation. The learning process skills I picked up while at school really has made a big impact.
What experiences or opportunities at Bushnell University were most influential in shaping your career?
Honestly, just the time I had with my professors. I loved the small class sizes where I got to know my professors one-on-one or must ask questions before or after class was such a meaningful part of my university experience.
Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?
I think my biggest challenge in my career was specifically getting to this point. The challenge was to keep trusting Jesus for that next step when it would have been easier to put and just find something easier. It wasn’t a linear path that got me to become a pastor. And those bends in the road can be scary because you can’t see what is next. So I couldn’t have 5-year plans because God kept changing them. This was a challenge but it also grew and stretched my faith in ways I would have never experienced had I chosen the easier path or one I felt more control over.
What advice would you give to current Bushnell University students who are interested in pursuing a similar career?
Focus on Jesus. I didn’t go to school to be a pastor and had no interest while there or even afterwards, (I was a BA major and went to China as a missionary for 10 years while teaching ESL after graduation). You don’t have to have it all figured out before you leave school. God is good and will lead and guide you. Instead, get busy pursuing Him. Seeking to know Him more. To serve, to trust, and to depend upon Him. And then step forward. So many people get paralyzed trying to figure out the rest of their lives at 22 years old. Don’t. Focus on Christ, and let Him lead as He will.