From the Pulpit: A home at Bethel

The Rev. Phillip Roop, commonly known to his parishioners as Pastor Phil, serves as the senior pastor at Bethel Assembly in Cape Girardeau. Roop was born and raised in the Assemblies of God. His father was a pastor, his mother was the pianist. "I came to Christ at an early age," he said. Roop entered full-time ministry in 1985 and has served as youth minister, executive (senior associate) pastor and senior pastor. He came to Bethel as senior pastor in April 2005 and had served the church from 1989 to 1996 as youth pastor.

Age: I am 51 as of Dec. 7 (Pearl Harbor Day). Interestingly my anniversary is on Sept. 11. Denise and I have been married 27 years.

What drew you to serve the church in a leadership role? I sensed a calling on my life at an early age, that calling eventually won out over my personal ambitions and directions, in spite of my stubbornness.

What education/background/studies did you go through to become a pastor? I actually started in state university pursuing law, then to Berean School of the Bible and Global University. However, my greatest education has been through daily ministry experience and the pursuit of a consistent devotional life.

How many years have you served as a pastor? I have served as a senior pastor since April 2005, executive (senior associate) pastor for four years and as a youth pastor for 20 years.

Where are you from and when/why did you move to Cape Girardeau? I was born and raised in Texas and originally moved to Cape Girardeau in January 1989 as youth pastor. We moved to California in 1996 and returned to Cape in April 2005.

Were you involved with Bethel before becoming the pastor? No, I moved here both times to be on staff as a pastor.

What do you think makes this church special? Biblically, Bethel means "House of God." I think there is an incredible friendly, warm "home" atmosphere here. In fact, our slogan is "There's no place like home." Also, our people are generous, loving and have a real desire to impact their community in a positive way.

What's your favorite verse and why? Romans 12:1-2, "I urge you, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

What program have you done with Bethel that you are proud of and why? "From Humbug to Hallelujah," our Broadway-style, Christmas musical performed the last two years at Cape Girardeau Central Junior High, has drawn great crowds, has melded our church family together even more and has brought great joy to the community. I am also grateful for our full-time mentoring and ministry school, Southeast Missouri State University Master's Commission.

What events or occasions does your church have coming up? Our Christmas Service on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 9 and 10:45 a.m., a year-end meal and fellowship at Southeast Recreation Center and a focused time of prayer and fasting in January.

What's your favorite day of the week and why? Every day of life is blessed and the Scripture tells us "This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it!"

What's your favorite part of being a pastor? One word, people. I love people! I also enjoy seeing people grow and succeed in their walk with Christ.

What hobbies do you have? I love working out at Fitness Plus, softball, basketball being involved in my children's sports and activities, reading, and, of course, spending time with my beautiful wife.

What else do you do besides serve as pastor? I just finished being this year's president of the Cape Ministerial alliance, I coach indoor soccer, keep the score book at CCS basketball games, serve on the SEMO Education Solution's Team

Do you have a prayer, psalm or verse you would like to give our readers for the day? I pray that the Lord's grace and blessings be abundant in your lives, that you have a vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the savior of the world for whom this season owes its name.