Martus Miley, Pastor

What do you do to relax and find balance in your life?

Rocky mountain ranges, jeep trips, fly fishing, hiking, and mountain climbing are big aids to my relaxation.  I enjoy investing myself in sporting events, musicals, theatrical productions, and concerts. Of course, those things don’t happen everyday.  So, the morning hours of quietness and reflection are important to my focus and my days go much better when I spend moments being aware of my own inner stirrings and how those can be focused during the day. To operate out of the big picture of God’s providential care and plan provides serenity and peace.  A personal journal is an important tool for that happening.  Reading, solving puzzles, and finding good ideas on the web provide some relaxing moments at night. 

What are you reading these days?

If you were to ask me what have I read that has influenced my life the most, the answer would include such authors as Dallas Willard, Paul Tournier, Richard Foster, Gordon Cosby, Finley Edge and Elton Trueblood.  But since the question is more current, here are the titles I have read in the past six months:  Wooden on Leadership by John Wooden and Steve Jamison, The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann, Growing an Engaged Church by Albert Winseman, and Preaching on Your Feet by Fred Lybrand.  I am currently into Stephen Covey’s book on leadership entitled The 8th Habit.

What do you like most about being a minister at ROBC?

I love working within the context where faith and knowledge are a part of the building blocks for personal growth.  ROBC challenges me to speak to faith issues of everyday living, to interpret and to apply Scripture to those experiences, and to allow the Spirit of God to make us and mold us.  Pastoral relational ministries feed my soul as does spiritual growth in small groups.  I love sharing life’s experiences with people.

Why should an individual visiting this website take the next step and visit ROBC on a Sunday morning?

You will find a loving, friendly people of faith who desire to grow in their personal faith in Jesus Christ by going deeper in Bible study and worship and who want to demonstrate that devout faith in a loving way to others.  We are genuinely kind and caring.

Please share a little about your family, education, and how long you've been here at ROBC.

I joined the pastoral staff of River Oaks Baptist Church in July, 1992.  Prior to moving to Houston, I served as the founding pastor of Southland Baptist Church, San Angelo, Texas for 14 years.  Prior to pastoring, I was in student ministry at Baylor, San Jacinto Junior College, Angelo State and Stephen F. Austin.  I am a graduate of Baylor University (B.A. and M.A.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M. Div.).  I met my wife Jeanie at Baylor University and we were married December 30, 1967.  We have lived in Pasadena, Fort Worth, San Angelo, Nacogdoches and Houston.  We are parents to three incredible adult children - Michelle, Julie and Amy.  Jeanie and I enjoy traveling, movies, mountains, beaches and playing with our 7 grandchildren.  Jeanie is a writer (8 books published), columnist, retreat leader and speaker on topics of spiritual growth. 

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Phil Thomas, Minister of Education and Administration

What do you appreciate most about the people of ROBC?

ROBC is a great place.  I am continually blessed by the spirit of the people who gather here to seek God.  Their service and generosity towards the building of the kingdom is amazing.  From our various bible studies to our weekly worship time, the folks at ROBC explore and develop their God-given gifts and callings.

What do you do to refresh your soul?

I have a peer group of Ministers of Education from other churches around Houston and the state of Texas.  These friends inspire and challenge me in so many ways.  I find a renewing of my spirit as we share how God is working in our various locations.  Their encouragement and support through times of joy and times of struggling are a true treasure which rejuvenates my call to ministry.

Where do you hope to experience Spiritual Growth in the coming year?

As the “Education Guy” on staff, it is important to me to provide opportunities for people to interact with their faith through individual and communal study.  My prayer is that I will continue to seek insight into my own faith which can then be used to facilitate a better learning environment at ROBC.

What's playing on your ipod/cd player?

Billy Joel, Huey Lewis and the News, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Straight No Chase

Please share a little about your family, education, and background.

I joined the ROBC family in September 2003, accepting the position of Minister of Education and Administration.  Previously I served as Minister of Education and Family Life at Sardis Baptist Church in upstate Georgia.  I want to continue the church's emphasis on education through Bible study and discipleship.

Raised on the sun-splashed shores of South Carolina, I graduated from Clemson University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  I then went on to earn my Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University's Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas.  While there, my wife Hazel and I met and later married in 1998.

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Greg Stahl, Associate Pastor, Music and Worship

What do you do to find balance in your life?

This is one of the great challenges of living in our fast paced world. I enjoy walking in the evenings and listening to music or a baseball games on the radio. I try to use that time to talk to and listen to God. Deborah and my kids are an important part of my life. I always look forward to those very special moments when we can share a story, a laugh, a movie or a meal together. And I really enjoy getting out of the city to slow down and have the opportunity to allow God to break though the busyness of my daily routine.

What do you like the most about being a minister at ROBC?

The highlight of my week is always Wednesday night choir practice. The choir at ROBC is one of the closest groups of singers I have ever been privileged to be associated with. They love one another and are so committed to their role as worship leaders at ROBC. We have a lot of fun on Wednesday nights. I also love leading worship at ROBC. It has been a blessing to be able to sing and worship with the people here. I feel that I have the very best “seat” on Sunday morning because I get to see the smiles and faces of those people who are worshiping God.

What is in your ipod?

Allison Krause, The Punch Brothers, The Wailin’ Jennys, Diana Krall, The CenturyMen, Matt Lemmler, Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles

What do you do to refresh your soul?

I enjoy reading and listening to baseball games on my iphone. I played baseball a lot with my brother growing up and listening to a baseball game on the radio fills my heart and mind. I also am blessed to be able to sing in a wonderful chorus, The CenturyMen. I love being part of a group that makes music and speaks with such depth and power about the God we serve. The men in this group are my closest friends, brothers and mentors.

Please share a little about your family, education, and how long you've been here at ROBC.

I joined the staff of ROBC in November of 2008 and have served churches in Texas and Louisiana for 35 years. My home town is Austin, Texas and I attended the University of Texas (Hook’m) before graduating from Howard Payne University (BME). Deborah and I met and married while we were both attending Southwestern Baptist Seminary where I received a graduate degree in church music (MCM). Deborah and I have been married for over 30 years and we have three grown children, Anna, Kalli and Kyle who all live here in the Houston area. Kalli is married to our wonderful son-in-law, Scott Lovejoy. Deborah is an administrator in a middle school in Missouri City. Deborah, Anna and Kalli are all actively involved in singing in the choir here at ROBC and Scott helps out as a greeter and usher on Sunday mornings. Deborah and I also have the joy of teaching the Young Adults Bible Study class on Sunday mornings. As a couple our favorite things to do together are to go to movies and travel. Deb especially enjoys airport security screening.

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Dr. Nancy Hightower, Head of River Oaks Baptist School

What do you like most about being the River Oaks Baptist School Headmaster?

As Head of School, I enjoy the relationships with the members of the R.O.B.S. Community - students, parents, grandparents faculty, staff, School Board, and Church Staff.  Working in the school/church community is the most fulfilling life work through service to others and daily opportunities for growth as a Christian.

What is your favorite thing about River Oaks Baptist School?

I love to be wherever our students are: the classrooms, Chapel, gym, playgrounds, library.  I am inspired by the dynamic relationship between our very effective teachers and their eager-to-learn students.  The classrooms are alive with exciting learning experiences.  I am energized as I step over the threshold of our school.

What do you do to relax and find balance in your life?

I enjoy the weekends and time at my home in Madisonville, the garden and my cat, Sam.  My family gathers there for special occasions and holidays.  This is the home I grew up in and my children and I came for special days and holidays, and now the grandchildren are here.  There are wonderful memories associated with this home.

What do you do to refresh your soul?

My God time balances my life and refreshes my soul.  Early morning centering my day through prayer and Bible study allows me to be ready and prepared for my day.  Preparing the school daily devotionals fill my mornings with the joy of God's love and His support and forgiveness.  My favorite inspirational literature boosts my courage and confidence in my life work.

Why should a family enroll their student in River Oaks Baptist School?

The parents submit an application to R.O.B.S. if they are interested in a school experience providing a superior educational program and spiritual and character development building faith in Jesus Christ and Christian principles

Please share a little about your family, education and how long you have been at River Oaks Baptist School.

I joined River Oaks Baptist School in 1969 as a Second grade classroom teacher and became Head of School in 1989. During my tenure at ROBS, I have held the positions of Educational Resources Coordinator, Director of Academics, and Director of Admissions and Student Services.  I received my B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Texas.  Later I went on to receive a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Houston.  My educational experiences before joining R.O.B.S. include working at Mrs. Falkner's Preschool in Lafayette, Louisiana (1959) and at the Old Union School in Mt. Pleasant, Texas (1967).
My family includes my three children, Camilla, Lee and Elizabeth, their spouses and eight grandchildren - two of which currently attend ROBS.

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Clifford Lee, Pastor to Chinese Church

What do you like the most about being a minister at ROBC?

I have always been aware of ROBC as a supporter of missions since the mission church I grew up in was a receipient of that support.  Now I serve  as mission pastor of River Oaks Chinese Baptist Mission.  Our original mission outreach was to the Southeast Asian refugees and more specifically to the Teo Chew speaking Chinese.  We are still the only Chinese Baptist church in Houston that ministers specifically to this group.  As the generations continue to grow-up in the church, we are reaching more 2nd and 3rd generation children and young people.  We are also expanding our reach to other Chinese dialects (Mandarin) and refugee groups (Cambodian, Bhutanese).  We are aware and thankful of continued support and partnering for these ministries by the loving members of ROBC. 

Please tell us a little about your family and background.

I am blessed to have met and married my wife, Amy, while serving at this Mission, and have continued to be blessed with four children.  Since my financial support is very small from the ministry, it has been a challenge to be a bi-vocatinal pastor and to find some work that will support my growing family while allowing me to be available for ministry.  My work in medicine, sports, security, sales, photography, music, and other things have given me opportunities to learn how God works in many ways and many places.  My opportunities to serve in other countries like Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Korea, Indonesia, and others, have given me a heart of how much God wants us to reach the world with the message of Christ.  I look at every day to be a blessing from God and desire to continue in service to Him.

What types of books do you enjoy reading?

Besides the Bible and song texts and because I have found "fact can be stranger than fiction", I do not read much fiction unless it is part of my sermon research or research to keep up with all of my children's school questions.

What music or radio programs do you listen to?

When driving, I would be listening to the traffic stations or a tape on health, financial, or motivational topics.

What refreshes your soul?

I love God's natural world:  human, animal, plant, mineral.  I love how God has put things together in divine harmony:  atoms, cells, living systems, geological systems, cosmos, time.  It is a challenge and a privilege to try and relate to others the worship and praise that God deserves as Creator, Savior, Comforter.  I am aware of my Adamic mortality and Christian spirituality that was passed on to me and illuminated my life, and desire to raise the next generations in that same Gospel Light.
 
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."  John 3:16-7
 
"Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength; you shall love your neighbor as yourself."  Mark 12:30-1
 
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

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Amy Smith, Children's Minister

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kathleen Wilkins, Organist

What are your main responsibilites at ROBC?

As part of the worship team, I am the organist & pianist for  the Sanctuary choir and ensembles during Sunday Worship and holiday services.  I also provide music for weddings, funerals and other special events.

When did you join the ROBC family?

In 1984 I joined the church as the Organist & Music Associate.

What do you like best about working here?

I enjoy my fellowship time with the choir members, and working along side such a caring church staff.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I like to read, crochet, scrapbook and spend time with my family.

Please tell us a little about your family and background.

I received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music/Organ Performance from Stephen F. Austin State University.  My husband of 30+ years, Pat, and I have two daughters and 3 grandchildren.

 

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Debbie Storrs, Facility Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gloria Taylor, Pastoral Secretary

What are your main responsibilities at ROBC?

My main priority is serving as the personal secretary to Pastor Miley. Other responsibilites include providing resources for all Ministry Leadership Teams of the church, and preparing and distributing resources for weekday Bible studies.  I also prepare and provide worship resources including flowers and other worship aids. Administering membership files and assisting in receiving financial contributions is another important aspect of my job.

What year did you start working at ROBC?  

I started working at River Oaks Baptist Church in July, 1994.

Please share some general family information.

I was born in Houston and still count Houston as my home.   I am blessed to have a wonderful brother and sister-in-law, two nephews and their wives and five great-nephews.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy reading books by Beverly Lewis, Francine Rivers, Lori Wick and other Christian authors.

What do you like best about working here at ROBC?

I enjoy working at River Oaks Baptist Church because of the great working environment and wonderful staff.  It’s a blessing to work around believers.

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Stephanie Wilson, Receptionist and Wedding Coordinator

What are your main responsibilities at ROBC?

At the front desk, I am the face of River Oaks Baptist Church - to church members, to guests, and to ROBS families.   In addition to some of my administrative duties, I assist with advertising and manage the website.  As the Wedding Coordinator, I am in charge of all weddings held at the church.

What year did you start working at ROBC?

I started working for River Oaks Baptist Church in February of 2009.

Tell us about yourself, family, and what you enjoy doing in your free time.

My husband and I joined the church in 1995, and our two children attend River Oaks Baptist School.  We both enjoy participating in church and school activities.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from the University of Texas.  Besides my love of decorating & remodeling, I enjoy traveling and playing with my kids.

What do you like best about working at ROBC?

It is so enjoyable working with people who genuinely care about each other and our lives outside of work.

 

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Liz Thornton, Financial Secretary

What are your main responsibilites at ROBC?

As Financial Secretary I am responsible for administering the contributions, making deposits, processing invoices, preparing payroll and providing monthly and annual financial reports.

What year did you start working at ROBC?

I started working for River Oaks Baptist Church in February of 2010.

Tell us about yourself, your family, and what you enjoy doing in your free time.

I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Texas Secondary Teaching Certificate.  My husband John and I have two children.  I enjoy gardening, sewing and cooking.

What do you like best about working at ROBC?

I enjoy working at River Oaks Baptist Church because the Church members and office staff provide a very friendly and caring environment.