T Ray Rachels attened Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. He began his ministry serving as worship leader and associate pastor with his father-in-law, Cyril Homer in Dayton, Ohio.

He then served as youth director of the Ohio Assemblies of God. He also served as youth and education director for the Assemblies of God  Northern California-Nevada District.

In Southern California Rachels pastored Christian Life Church in Long Beach before being elected as the assistant district superintendent for the Southern California Assemblies of God. After three years in this position he was elected as superintendent a position he held for twenty-two years.

Rachels is a prolific writer with many of his articles appearing in the Pentecostal Evangel.