The "Marks" of Leadership

The ‘Marks’ of Leadership My Visit with Pastor Kim Bobb Grove City Church of the Nazarene Grove City, OH Spotlight on KidsMatter! Kimborah Bobb grew up in the church where she now leads the children’s ministry full time. She earned a degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University and then returned to Grove City in search of a marketing/promotions job. But God had other plans. She ended up turning down a marketing job opportunity because she just felt God telling her that He had something different. The next thing she knew she was answering the phone and Mark Hale, the children’s pastor at her church, was on the other end and he was saying that God had brought her to mind as a possible candidate for an opening for Assistant Children’s Pastor. She took the job and two years later ended up being his replacement when he moved on to become a senior pastor elsewhere. She is now one of two full time children’s pastors (preschool and grade school) in addition to one part time children’s pastor (20 hours) and twenty part time staffers (10 hours) between preschool and grade school for Sunday morning/evening and Wednesday evening programs. It is…

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Hangin’ with Hoosiers…

Kim with Cali Our time in Ohio was a ton of fun – Kim Bobb, her church, the circus, but the highlight was their little dog, Cali. (short for California) Besides being hypoallergenic, was a lot of fun. I even trained her to eat from a star wars light saber spoon… Strong in the Force, this dog is. Sara and I couldn’t decide who we would miss more… Kim or Cali?! but we did have to finally hit the road, But not without kissin’ the dog goodbye. (YUCK!) But soon we were back on the road and headed toward Hoosierland (Indiana for those of you in Rio Linda) We passed the golden, er, blueish Arches and headed West… Pay no attention to the splatted bugs… Once again we took in the scenic scenes of scenery. Finally, (after an antique store stop, of course) we got to Sweetser, Indiana, home of Ryan Frank and Liberty Baptist Church, and had no trouble finding his house, since, after all, as he explained, it was the first house on the right… On the right of what?!?! I love what they’ve done with the lawn!! New house and new baby… God is Good! One thing…

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Three Ring Circus… and then the Circus!

Today I got to visit TWO ‘three ring’ circuses! The first was Grove City Nazarene: RING ONE: The Adult Worship Center The adult service was amazing. This Sunday was the most moving baptism service I have ever been in. By the end I was crying… the lady next to me asked if I had family being baptized and I sputtered “I’m from out of town, I don’t even know any of these people.” :) I’ll definately be filling my church staff in on how they did the service! RING TWO: Club 345 (Grades 3-5) That’s Kim Bobb! Kim Bobb and the Band were bobbin’ to familiar tunes… before a powerpoint lesson and skit followed by small groups. Of course, in the free time before hand, I had a chance to teach the kids the finer art of speed stacking… Learning from the Master Stacker. RING THREE: Pastor Gregg and Faith Factor! (Grades 1-2) CHECK OUT THE GROVE CITY PHOTO GALLERY (3 PAGES!) The Children’s Pastor is Pastor Kimborah Bobb. I had a great time talking with her about how Grove City integrates the family into the overall ministry of the church. Kim Bobb and the Kids Matter logo. It’s obvious…

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Oh! HI! Oh!

Well, DAY TWO of our sabbatical is underway. After a healthy nutritious breakfast… McBagel with Creme Cheese and Strawberry Jam! We headed to Webb’s Antique Mall (who puts those travel magazines in the hotel rooms!?!?!?!?), which claims to be largest in Indiana… Amazing… pay for old stuff, that costs more now than when it was new! While Sara shopped, I checked out the old cemetary next door and researched Steve Tanner’s roots. (and others, will be posted in the photo gallery to come!) Tanner than whom? Not any more. Next we decided to take in some of the local food to see how the natives eat here… Nothing like trying new places… Then, after taking in miles of the breath-taking Indiana landscape… Glad I brought my camera! We finally got to Ohio! Kim Bobb, here we come! Kim and Nick Bobb in their new home. And thier hypoallergenic dog, Cali.NOW WE ARE OFF TO HAVE SOME FUN, MORE LATER! Tomorrow is Kim’s church, a volunteer gathering, and the CIRCUS!

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Begun, This Sabbatical Has.

Well, the sabbatical is officially underway! In fact, this post is being made from a hotel in Richmond, Indiana – and with my laptop online with my cell phone, due to some fancy third party software that makes my Treo600 take my Powerbook online at 100K – not bad for free unlimited Internet while traveling (anywhere there is cell reception, of course) But since most of you are bored already with this ‘tech talk’ on to our adventures…. First stop: Fridays with Sara’s parents in the South Burbs… Next Stop: My older sister and her kids at Dairy Queen…(SEE MORE PICS FROM TODAY IN DAY ONE GALLERY) Me and Pastor Dave Barber. (boss man) I’d like to dedicate this first sabbatical post to my boss and pastor, Dave Barber. He’ll cringe for me saying it here (huuuummmmmble man of God that he is) but I am so grateful to be able to work with a pastor who truly seeks after God’s heart and who cares for his staff beyond just “job performance.” He really works hard to minister to us, encourage us, challenge us, and make sure we are doing well spiritually. While he is reluctant to accept any credit,…

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