First Presbyterian Church members are living God’s love in all kinds of ways. One of them is Bob Martin, who serves as finance elder on Session, as a Stephen Ministry leader, on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee, and in many other leadership roles. Here’s his story, in his own words.


My wife, Elaine, and I moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1988, deciding to maintain our membership in the Oak Lane Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. She had joined OLPC in 1954 as one of the church’s first African American members.


At that time, OLPC was a city church in a changing neighborhood faced with declining membership. A positive decision to renew the congregation’s ministry to the community resulted in a healthy, integrated church for many years and was the subject of a book entitledTe Oak Lane Story, published in 1971.


Elaine served actively as a deacon and member of the Presbyterian Women’s Group while I became a trustee, president of trustees, and church accountant and served on a pastor nominating committee.


Twenty-two years later (2009), we became members of FPCA after driving past Tilghman Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard two or three times per week as we traveled to church activities in Philadelphia.


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I recall telling Mike Drake, Jo-Ann Campbell, and the rest of our enquirers class that I had been very active as a leader at OLPC and I was somewhat apprehensive about being able to grow into leadership roles in this faith community of 2,600 members! I did not want to be relegated to a “back bencher” role. Mike chuckled and said, “Give us a try, friend; that will not be a problem!”


Since that time, I have enjoyed participating in this wonderfully caring and sharing congregation in a number of ways. I serve as an usher and a member of our Saturday Men’s Group, Wednesday morning Men’s Devotions, and Sunday Adult Devotions. I have served as a trustee and a member of the Investment Team, Communications Team, Budget Team, and Annual Campaign Team and currently serve as the finance elder on Session, president of the FPCA corporation, and a member of the current Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.


Of all of my leadership opportunities at FPCA, however, one stands as the most important way for me to grow spiritually


“Stephen Ministry has given me the opportunity to


become closer to my savior Jesus Christ and to spread His message of love to the


world beyond the corner of Tilghman and Cedar Crest.”


and to promote God’s love to the world. In Galatians 6:2 we read, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” In 2010, Becky Tacca and I became Stephen Leaders and helped establish Stephen Ministry here at FPCA. We both hold this position today.


It has been a life-changing opportunity for me in many ways. Stephen Ministry has given me the opportunity to become closer to my savior Jesus Christ and to spread His message of love to the world beyond the corner of Tilghman and Cedar Crest. I encourage everyone to learn more about this care-giving ministry by contacting one of our pastors, a Stephen Leader, or the church office.


Mike was right: FPCA offers every member myriad ways to live and spread the love of Jesus Christ in our congregation, in the greater Lehigh Valley community, and in the world. May God bless our pastors, lay leaders, staff, congregation, and those who are hurting and in need of our help.


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