Rev. Robert Francis Sugden, Jr. is his legal name and title. But, he prefers to be called “Pastor Bob”. (If you’ve grown up on the Alaska District, you may know him as “Pastor Bo2b” [Bob with two O’s]. It’s a long story. Ask Pastor Bob.)

Pastor Bob grew up in a Navy family. Bob’s father was a hospital marine corpsman for 23 years attaining the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Bob’s mother was a stay at home mom and a frustrated children’s author. (She wrote many books; she was published only once.) Bob is the eldest of 7 children. Pastor Bob’s parents raised their children to be faithful Roman Catholics.

In 1975, at the age of 16, Pastor Bob began to recognize that his personal religion was more a ritual than an authentic practice. He loved God, but was just going through the motions. He recognized that he truly was sorry for his sinful heart and actions. On October 25, 1975, Bob confessed and repented of his sins and surrendered his heart to God and made a personal profession of faith in Jesus as his Savior. Bob then went on a long, meander through various Christian faith groups. In 1978, he finally settled into membership in the Church of the Nazarene. (Actually, he met a beautiful, blonde woman who happened to be the pastor’s daughter which was a strong motivator.)

Pastor Bob felt a calling into full-time ministry from the age of 17. However, God had a perfect plan and directed Bob to serve in the United States Air Force (USAF) for 21 years before allowing Bob to become what his heart desired. During his tenure in the USAF, Bob served as a Russian Linguist, a Carpenter/Mason, a Personnelist (specializing in casualty assistance), and as the Deputy Director of a Family Support Center. (He jokingly says he worked for the USAF for 21 years, but couldn’t hold a steady job.)

In 1998, Pastor Bob retired from the USAF and started his training to become a minister of the gospel. He attended the Nazarene Bible College from 1998 to 2003 where he earned an Associates Degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Counseling. He subsequently attended Northwest Nazarene University and earned a Masters of Arts degree in Spiritual Formation.

Pastor Bob, his wife, Renee’, and their two youngest daughters arrived in Two Rivers on Labor Day weekend in 2003. Pastor Bob has served our community as pastor of Two Rivers Community Church of the Nazarene since that day. This is their first ministry assignment. (Pastor Bob says that he has finally learned how to hold a steady job.)

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