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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Remembering Pastor Bob (1940 - 2019)

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the heavenly homegoing of our dear friend and former pastor, my mentor and ministry partner, Bob Eckler on November 19th.  This faithful servant of God, beloved by so many, is now with Jesus, the One he passionately adored and served.

I'm confident that his deep bass voice is joyfully lifted strong as he praises God face to face ... and I can only imagine that he's having the time of his life meeting and greeting the many saints, family, and friends that went on before him.


From 2002 - 2015, I had the joy of serving with Bob on the pastoral staff at the church where he was senior pastor and then at Creekside Ministries, the pastoral counseling center / house church we co-founded at the home he shared with his lovely, gracious wife, Dottie.

Along the way, Bob and I partnered together in developing a Celebrate Recovery program, facilitated week long seminars for single parents, and provided marriage counseling as a team so that both husbands and wives could feel comfortable as they sought help and support.

Bob's deep love for Jesus and his passion for caring for his flock are well known.  His hearty laugh and propensity to burst into a verse or two of a favorite hymn as he went through his day are fondly remembered by all who interacted with him.  This mighty prayer warrior deeply cared for those who were broken in spirit and was an incredibly powerful preacher of God's Word, a kind and tender-hearted pastor who loved his people well.

In our 13 years of serving God together, Bob generously opened numerous ministry doors for me, championing my work in ways that I most likely never would have otherwise experienced as a woman in conservative evangelical circles.

To say I am grateful would be a vast understatement.

Bob, if you're somehow reading this, please know that your Christ-centered life and faithful ministry impacted countless souls for the Kingdom.  Tim and our family join me in grieving your immense loss.  We thank God upon every remembrance of you {Philippians 1:3}.
Linda

2010

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this tribute was originally posted at

6 comments:

  1. Oh Linda! What a loss we have here on earth but heaven certainly gained a very special man. The wonderful memories of pastor bob are countless - his laugh, bear hugs, singing voice, encouragement, deep listening, caring, preaching, vision....on and on. Praying for his family and his Christian brothers and sisters who will miss him dearly. Hugs to you!

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    1. Dear Elisa ... I hear his service was lovely and moving, a wonderful testimony to his life and the One he so faithfully served.

      It grieves Tim and I that we couldn't be there.

      Love to you ...

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  2. Although I was never part of Bob's congregation, in the times I was privileged to interact with him, I felt pastored and shepherded. He had a way of listening and caring that created a safe place, a kind, refreshing place. The partnership between him and his wife was so evident in the way they opened their home and loved on those who came through their doors. I am saddened by his passing and feel a hole in this world - yet I rejoice that one day I will see him again!! I can only imagine the loss you feel, Linda, and have thought of you in the wake of his passing. Much love to you and to his family.

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    1. What a beautiful tribute, Dar ... you have captured the essence of who Bob was and the kind generosity that he and Dot shared as they opened their home to us all.

      Bless you for your thoughtful reflection ...

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  3. Sorry about the passing of pastor Bob.
    Your post is a fine tribute to his memory.

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Welcome to the table, friend!

This is where we gather and hang out. I'd love for you to pull up a chair and jump right into the conversation. Or simply say 'hello.'

l'll be dropping in to visit you sometime soon ...

Linda