Biography of Rich Scherber, Executive Director
Rich Scherber is the Executive Director of Minnesota Teen Challenge, a Christian drug and alcohol program for teens and adults. "I understand how these people feel because many years ago, I too was a lost and deeply troubled drug addict," says Pastor Rich. Now he has a passion and a vision to see chronic addicts find the permanent solution to their problems through recovery and hope. As a teenager, Rich was heavily involved in the drug culture of the 1970's. Rich admits to having been "a drug addict and a hell raiser" and says he not only used drugs but also sold them. "There were nights I brought thousands of dollars of drugs to town," he said. His life changed dramatically in 1972 when he turned his life around with the help of people who invested into him and helped him find sobriety and faith.
From then on, Rich’s life turned around. For nine years, he pastored a church in Minnesota before accepting a four-year missionary assignment in South Africa. When he and his family returned to the United States, he was offered the position of Director of Teen Challenge in Minneapolis. At that time, Minnesota Teen Challenge had no assets and was $20,000 in debt. The first six months were very hard. He worked 12-15 hour days alone trying to renovate a condemned crack house in south Minneapolis. "I asked for help but no one came," Rich said, "It was the most difficult six months of my life." He cried out to God for help, it came - in a big way! A contractor showed up to bid on a heating system. After Rich shared his vision for the ministry, the man donated the entire system. That was only the beginning. Within a few days over $40,000 worth of products and services were donated for the remodeling of the building.
Since those days, Minnesota Teen Challenge has grown tremendously. Now Minnesota Teen Challenge is one of the largest Teen Challenge centers in the world with over 400 residents, and six residential buildings. Rich says, "A spiritual awakening can make all the difference. I know, if it can work for me, it can work for anyone."
