As much as I loved books, I knew that God was calling me to a more traditional pastoral role. In 2004, I left the employ of the UMPH for an Interim Associate pastorate in Fayetteville, Georgia, and from there to Fairview Presbyterian Church, where I have been serving as a solo pastor for almost 14 years. As I reflect on the last decade and a half, I recognize that even after Louise and I left First Presbyterian to minister to other congregations, First has continued to play a central role in our spiritual lives. Both of our sons, Robert and Gibson, were baptized by Dr. Wirth here in First’s sanctuary. Over the years, I’ve returned periodically to attend presbytery meetings, conferences, prayer breakfasts, retirements, and even funerals, and each and every time, I have felt like I’m coming home. I believe I feel welcomed because of the love of Christ emanating from the people of this congregation. While it wasn’t always evident in the present, reflecting back over the past decade and a half, I can see that God’s providential hand has been leading our family to this place and this time where I can serve Christ by serving alongside you. I pray God will bless this endeavor. Yours in Christ, Rob
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee for Associate Pastor for Care presents
Rev. Robert Sparks Associate Pastor for Care Sunday, August 18, 2019
Dear Members of First Presbyterian Congregation,
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
It is with great joy that the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee recommends Rev. Rob Sparks for the position of Associate Pastor for Care. In April, our committee set out to find a candidate who could lead our Care Ministry with compassion, experience and authenticity. We believe that we have found those qualities and more in Rob.
As First Presbyterian meets to decide if I should join the staff of this historic church as Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care, I can’t help but think of the words of Frederick Buechner, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” This is certainly true for me and the reason I am so excited and humbled to be asked to serve our Lord Jesus Christ through the ministry of First Presbyterian.
For the past 14 years, Rob has been the solo pastor at Fairview Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville. As the solo pastor, Rob has preached regularly, officiated at hundreds of funerals, and walked hand in hand with his parishioners as they faced surgeries, medical diagnoses, accidents, suicide, death of loved ones, and mental health struggles. He has experience answering the phone in the middle of the night and responding to families as they walk through dark days. As a solo pastor, Rob has been performing all of the duties of a care pastor. Rob was not looking to leave his church, but when we approached him, he said that he would consider the position. Our APNC met with Rob and were touched by his gentle presence. He is approachable and cheerful, but he is also sincere and compassionate. We believe that he has the skills and temperament to meet the needs of First Presbyterian Church. Along with Rob, we also welcome his wife, Louise, and their sons Robert (14) and Gibson (13). We strongly recommend that the congregation vote in favor of calling Rev. Rob Sparks to First Presbyterian as the Associate Pastor for Care. Associate Pastor Nominating Committee - Care Mary Katherine Greene, Chair Bill Earnest Bruce Gregory Ashley Hancock Dick Leslie Patricia Lummus Sonia Mize Kate Monk Dorothy White-Williams
I also can’t help but reminisce that meeting with First’s Associate Pastor Nominating Committee was not my first encounter with this congregation. Some of you may remember that more than a decade and a half ago, I managed a bookstore where The Mustard Seed is now. To explain how that came to be, I need to back up. I graduated from Columbia Seminary in 1998 and took a position as Interim Director of Youth and Family Ministry at First Presbyterian in Columbus, GA. From there, I was ordained as Interim Pastor of Morningside, also in Columbus. One day, a friend from seminary called and said he met the then-manager of the Cokesbury First Presbyterian Bookstore who mentioned that he was thinking about seminary himself; the position might soon be vacant. My friend gave me his name and number on the off-chance that I decided to take a leap of faith and do something besides ordained ministry. I called the manager, and after a few interviews with representatives of the United Methodist Publishing House, and a few introductions to members at First, I was hired. Initially, I spent my time learning the book seller’s business, but I quickly discovered the gracious hospitality of your church. Because I was ordained, Dr. George Wirth, and First’s Session, allowed me to exercise sacerdotal duties: officiate weddings, conduct baptisms, and regularly participate in worship and Bible study. Not only that, but members of this church welcomed me into their homes and lives. Those two and half years marked a season of great personal growth as well: I became engaged to and then married my wife, Louise, we bought a condo together, and she was welcomed as a church member. First Presbyterian was there alongside us celebrating those milestones.