LOOKING BACK – TWO YEARS LATER

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This week marks the second anniversary of my stepping down after 30 years as the founding and senior pastor of Discovery Christian Church. The last two years have been interesting and challenging; and I thought it would be good for me, and hopefully interesting to you, to share some of the things I have learned.

It’s not the same for everyone, but change is hard for me.

Being the pastor of a local church has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

I love to preach and teach the Bible.

There is a lot about being a pastor that I miss; and also a few things I don’t miss. In some respects guest preaching is the best of both.

When you have been preaching for 40 years at first it is hard to sit and listen; but with time it gets easier and becomes to you what you hope your preaching was and is to others.

Churches, pastors, and people are different—and that’s a good thing. No one should insist that people, pastors, or churches all be the same.

Teaching at the university level is not as easy as it may appear; teaching is great privilege, but grading papers and tests is tedious.

Some university students don’t really care to learn, some want to learn, and some care too much about their grades.

Some friendships endure, some fade over time.

Even after all these years I am not finished learning the Bible or growing as a Christian.

Some sins are really persistent.

The respect that comes to a pastor/professor from so many is gratifying but also humbling—and I’m not saying that just to sound good.

Getting older is not as bad as some people suggest; but neither is it a piece of cake.

I love to play golf (even though I’m not very good).

Writing books is difficult but fulfilling; selling them is not one of my favorite things to do.

Posting a weekly blog is a good discipline that does a lot more for the writer than the readers.

Speaking of discipline, healthy eating and regularly exercising—as a diabetic—is a real challenge.

It’s a lot better for others and yourself to be patient, kind, pleasant, and understanding. Why be a complainer, a grouch, or a critic?

Being easily angered is nothing to be proud of—look it up in the book of Proverbs.

I am pleased with and proud of my two children—Audrey and Rob.

I love being a father; but being a grandfather is also wonderful.

I have made many mistakes as a pastor, husband, and father; unfortunately, I can’t do any of it over.

My wife Jan is the most generous, selfless, and loving person I know or have ever known.

Looking back, I’m confident the timing as well as the process we followed in my stepping down after 30 years as pastor of Discovery Christian Church was right.

To conclude on a seasonal note, 15 m & m’s are not even half of what ought to be in any packets we pass out for Halloween!

Feel free to leave a reply below and/or share this post on social media

Photo courtesy of Jan.

19 thoughts on “LOOKING BACK – TWO YEARS LATER”

  5. I don’t think there has been many weeks when you have not been mentioned in the Wednesday morning ladies bible study. Change is difficult and both you and Jan will always be missed. Today we could have used some help with Judaism and I know you could have provided it. Always enjoy reading your blog and glad you are enjoying your family! With love to you both, Elizabeth.

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  6. Wow, congratulations. You are so right, change is hard. I imagine sitting and listening is not easy, but it is good to be on the receiving end especially when you are being fed. May God continue to bless this season of your life, Pastor Bob.

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  7. Thank you for sharing your observations about your journey over the past two years, Bob. Though many of them have direct application to your situation there are some observations that have a universal application especially for those of us who have made major transitions at this stage of our lives.
    Having been away from your consistent teaching both Orv and I have observed how much we value and miss what you shared each week at Discovery. God has given you a gift, and I am glad that you are still able to share it in a variety of settings.
    Thank you for your contributions to the lives of our family over the years. God is good!

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  8. Love reading your post and although Dale and I don’t write much we do follow and keep up. You and Jand made were and are such a blessing and a major part in our walk with the Lord. We are so thankful for God putting you both in our lives all those 32 years ago. A and we have a ministry that God uses us in today because He used you in a mighty way in our lives all those years ago God bless you and keep you and may He shine down upon you and yours always Becky and Dale Tinklepaugh

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  9. Dear Bob,
    You are dearly missed your teaching in the early years of my walk where essential and I will still hear your voice through a message during situations I am going through. Your decisions to step down was in keeping with your wisdom your love for discovery and it’s people are still evident. God is good and will continue to use you to bless others!

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  10. You were and still are a mentor to me, as well as many others! I enjoy reading your blog’s and always gain a little insight. I miss your corny jokes and even your heel clicking (wish I could do it!). Thanks for sharing your victories and struggles.

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  11. Thank you for founding our church 32 years ago! We celebrated last Sunday and I was eagerly waiting to see you sitting in the back left corner with Jan that day and when I heard you weren’t going to be there as pastor Dan spoke about you, I have to admit I was a little sad just because I wanted to see your smiling, gentle faces again. I even told Jimmy that morning, “We’ll get to see pastor Bob today!”
    I am still in awe and so grateful for you. You touched mine and so many of our lives. We ❤️ You pastor Bob!

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  12. The one part of your looking back I truly understand is that change can be difficult. I hope it gets better for you. Four of us in my family opted for a huge change in our lives and I still wish I said no. Thank you for your friendship and your teaching. I truly have appreciated both.

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