John Robinson
Connections Pastor
"Helping people connect with Christ, one another, and the life of the church."

My journey with Jesus Christ began during one of the most difficult times of my life.

 

On August 5, 1975, my wife, Dora, and I experienced the heartbreaking loss of our first child, Forrest, during birth. Dora's pastor was out of town, so he contacted Don Pyle, the pastor of Gate City Christian Church, and asked him to visit us. Don and his wife, Diane, came alongside us with genuine love, compassion, and understanding. Through their kindness and Don's teaching of God's Word, I came to know Jesus Christ.

 

I could never have imagined that the church whose pastor had reached out to us during such a painful time would become the church family I would serve for the rest of my life. Gate City is where my journey with Christ began, and it's the only church I've called home since becoming a Christian.

 

I began serving as an elder in 1979, spending much of those early years leading youth ministry and filling in as preacher when our pastor was away. Meanwhile, my professional career was in corporate training and management, overseeing safety, operations, and human resource training for a nuclear company with approximately 12,000 employees.

 

In the fall of 1994, while Gate City was searching for a new senior pastor, the elders approached me about taking the position. After prayerful consideration, I accepted and began serving as Senior Pastor on April 1, 1995. Looking back, I can see how God used both my professional experience and years of volunteer ministry to prepare me for a calling I hadn't anticipated.

 

Over the years, one conviction has continued to shape my ministry: **The church is more than a place we attend on Sunday. It's a family where we belong, grow together, care for one another, and help each other become more like Christ.**

 

Perhaps that conviction is rooted in my own experience. When Dora and I were hurting, Don and Diane didn't simply tell us about God's love. They demonstrated it. I've never forgotten the difference that made in my life.

 

I've always enjoyed teaching God's Word in a way that connects biblical truth with everyday life. I believe we can stand firmly on the truth of Scripture while extending grace, patience, and compassion to people as they grow in their faith. Truth and love should never be separated.

 

Today, I serve as Gate City's part-time Connections Pastor and continue as one of our elders. My focus is helping people move beyond simply attending church to becoming meaningfully connected to Christ, to one another, and to the life and mission of the church. I'm especially passionate about discipleship—helping people follow Jesus, be changed by Him, and participate in His mission.

 

I also have the privilege of serving as the volunteer chaplain for the Idaho State University football team. As a 1980 ISU graduate, it's especially meaningful to return to the university in this role. Now in my fifth year, I enjoy building relationships with players and coaches, leading chapel services and Bible studies, and encouraging them in their lives both on and off the field.

 

Dora and I met at Idaho State University in January 1974 and were married that June. More than 52 years later, she's still my best friend. We've been blessed with four sons: Forrest, Joshua, Jason, and Joseph. In 2018, we experienced another heartbreaking loss when Jason died in a drowning accident. We cherish the memories of both Forrest and Jason and remain grateful for their lives. Joshua and his wife, Jennifer, have blessed us with three wonderful granddaughters.

 

Outside of ministry, Dora and I love camping and traveling in our RV, taking walks, watching romantic comedies, and simply spending time together. We've learned that where we are or what we're doing matters far less than being together.

 

After more than 30 years in pastoral ministry, my responsibilities have changed, but my heart hasn't. I still find my greatest joy in seeing people come to know Christ, grow in their faith, and make a difference in the lives of others.

 

**My own journey began because someone cared enough to show us the love of Christ. My hope is that Gate City will always be a place where others experience that same love, discover God's truth, and find a church family to walk alongside them.**