Joshua 4, Memorial Stones in the Life of Faith, 9/29/24, Jeff PaisanoOctober 1, 2024 - 7:27 am
Genesis 48-50, The End of the Beginning, Part 2, 9/22/24, Pastor Steve RileySeptember 26, 2024 - 9:24 amGenesis 48-50, The End of the Beginning, Part 1, 9/15/24, Pastor Steve RileySeptember 18, 2024 - 9:01 am
Pastor Bob Johnson grew up in the San Fernando Valley and graduated from the Valley State College (California State Northridge) where he and his baseball team were NCAA college division champions in 1970. Sports and school were the passion and motivation of his life and he was drafted by the California Angels in 1971. In March of 1971 Bob went to see an Athletes In Action game (Campus Crusade for Christ) and that night, after listening to the AIA basketball players share their testimonies, Bob was born into the kingdom of God! The Lord Jesus then became the passion of his life and he entered the Master of Divinity program at Talbot Theological Seminary and was graduated in 1976.
Bob pastored at two other churches before coming to the Oakhurst Evangelical Free Church where he has ministered for over 20 years. During that time the congregation has grown from 50 to nearly 200-300 people, moved from rented quarters to a 26,000 square foot facility, and expanded from a staff of one to a staff of six with dynamic Elder, Deacon, and Deaconess Boards.
After more than 20 years of ministry at OEFC Pastor Bob says, “I still feel like I’m on the honeymoon! The greatest privilege in this entire world is having the opportunity to preach His word and to shepherd His people!”
Pastor Bob enjoys life with Sandy, his wife of over 40 years. Their two daughters, and son-in-laws have blessed them with five grandchildren. He also loves the outdoors and sports. He lifts weights several times a week, has surfed for the last 50 years, still goes on weeklong surf safaris, and likes to ride his Grizzly quad. Life is full and eternal for this man who loves and serves Jesus!
What is your favorite Sport?
Baseball.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Doheny Beach, San Clemente, Ca.
What is your favorite pastime?
Surfing and weight lifting.
What is your favorite book (other than the Bible)?
Francis Schaeffer books, C.S. Lewis books, Lord of the Rings Trilogy by Tolkien, Dr. John MacArthur Commentaries and books.
Trish and her husband, Gary, moved from Southern California to our mountain community in 2000, and immediately became part of the OEFC church family. They are blessed to have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Trish has been involved in OEFC’s Awana Ministry since 2000 as the director of the 3rd & 4th grade girls, and has also been involved in Women’s Ministry and the Deaconess Board on and off since 2004. Trish joined the staff of OEFC in January of 2002 and loves her job. “I deal with nothing but nice people every day – there aren’t many jobs you can say that about!”
What is your favorite Sport?
Winter Olympics
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Alaska
What is your favorite pastime?
Camping
What is your favorite book (other than the Bible)?
I can’t pick just one. I love a good mystery novel.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. I am married to my precious wife, Trish and we have three wonderful children. One of my greatest joys is my grandchildren. We are so blessed to have five granddaughters and one grandson.
I have been so blessed by the calling of our Lord to be a part of OEFC leadership since 2003. I have served on the Deacon Board, the Elder Board and have recently assumed the position of Church Administrator. Our church family has been so loving, supportive and gracious to Trish and me. I look forward to where the Lord will lead me and OEFC into the future.
What is your favorite Sport?
Motor Racing
What is your favorite vacation spot?
The High Sierras, Mammoth Lakes area.
What is your favorite pastime?
Camping, Off-roading and Motorcycle riding.
What is your favorite book (other than the Bible)?
Trusting God: Even when life hurts by Jerry Bridges.
Steven was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky to Lt. Robert M. Riley and his wife, Carolyn. Growing up as an “army brat” he lived all over the country and even in Europe, but no matter where he went with his family, church was always a big part of their lives.
Being so exposed to God’s truth from an early age, Steven found his Savior at the age of seven… or maybe better stated, Christ called him out of darkness. At that point, and for many years Steven felt the call into ministry, much of the time thinking God was calling him to be a Pastor.
Unfortunately, in high school Steven fell under some false teaching and for many years his walk with the Lord was severely damaged. But praise God, “for those He calls He also perfects,” and though Steven had abandoned God, God never left him. Finally, at the age of nearly 30, God decided it was time to bring Steven back to the truth of His Word.
Since that time God has given Steven a great wife, Julie, and two awesome daughters, Peyton and Savannah, and a great son-in-law, Parker. He has even given Steven the opportunity to work in ministry, which is a great blessing. Being the Pastor at OEFC has given him great joy, and he knows it is such a privilege that God would still use him after so many years walking away from the Heavenly Father. Now he knows the dangers of false teaching and plans to stand firm on God’s Word – which is the only source of pure truth and found only in the Bible.
“My goal as Pastor is to teach God’s Word, clearly and strongly, and to faithfully serve the members of OEFC to the best of my ability in every way I can.”
What is your favorite Sport?
Football
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Lauterburen, Switzerland.
What is your favorite pastime?
Anytime adventure shared with friends and family.
What is your favorite book (other than the Bible)?
Lord of the Rings.
