A spiritual trainer: McKinley has been in the ministry since 1975

Ron McKinley has been in the ministry since 1975. He came to Father's Arms Fellowship three years ago, drawn by the "godly love expressed by the body of believers here at Father's Arms," he said. He considers himself a trainer, though nothing about his practice is physical. McKinley said part of his goal at the church is to "train up godly men and women" so that they, too, can become ministers of God's word and spread the news of the gospel to those around them.

Question: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Answer: Seeing people grow spiritual and becoming true disciples of the Lord.

Q: How do you hope to help people in your role at the church?

A: By teaching people to find their purpose in life through God's word.

Q: What would you say has been your greatest achievement since taking this position?

A: Seeing people improve their lives by putting the word to practice on a daily basis.

Q: Where do you find strength and support to minister and help others?

A: By developing an intimate relationship with the Trinity of God through my years of Bible study and prayer.

Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: Watching people flounder and not be able to apply the principles that I've tried so hard to teach them.

Q: What do you hope people take away from a visit to your church?

A: A personal experience with the Lord who so deeply loves and cares for them.

Q: What events does your church have coming up?

A: We are currently reaching out to the Cape Girardeau and Jackson area through an anointed Bible study at the Activity Center at West Court Manor in Cape Girardeau every other Thursday night, and Aug. 21 we'll celebrate our 17th anniversary with a special service.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Father's Arms Fellowship?

A: The harmony and unity of the body who worship the Lord and share God's love with each other.

Q: How would you describe this church in 10 words or less?

A: A spirit-led, Bible-centered church sharing God's love and Grace.

Q: What is special about Father's Arms Fellowship?

A: The genuine spirit of love and caring about each person that God sends our way.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: Enjoy traveling, meeting new people and fellowshipping around a good meal.

Q: If you were not a pastor what do you think you would be doing?

A: I would be a motivational speaker who endeavored to inspire people to be all that they can be.

Q: Who is your favorite person from the Bible and why?

A: Joseph because God gave a promise through a dream and he never gave up, although sometimes it seemed the dream would never happen. His unwavering faith in God's word brought him through every trial to intimate victory.

Q: What is your favorite verse and why?

A: John 13:34-35 because Jesus gave us the most powerful commandment of love as he loved us, by this supreme kind of love everyone will know we are his disciples.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to say? Anything that you would like people to know about you or your church?

A: I've pioneered churches in Alaska, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska and Pennsylvania during my 35 years in the ministry and everywhere I preached the answer to everyone's problems is always Jesus!