Get to know our new Lead Pastor – Dr. Rob Martin
It has b
een great getting to know the Emmanuel UMC community. The staff and I are learning about each other. I am learning which keys open which doors. I am learning to drive in Memphis again! All kinds of learning moments have happened for me.
However, I realized, I haven’t shared with you a whole lot about me. So, I thought in my inaugural newsletter article I would share some “frequently asked questions” so you may get to know me better. So, here is the first round:
- Where did you grow up? I grew up in the small town of DeSoto, MO. It’s about an hour south of St. Louis back off the Mississippi River.
- Do you still have family in the area? My mother, Marietta, lives in my family home. My one and only older sister, Judith, lives near DeSoto with her husband, Mike. They have three children and 10+ grandchildren. My father, Ivan, and his wife, Brenda, live in Farmington, MO.
- Why does your voice sound so scratchy? I have a chronic condition for which I receive Botox injections in my vocal cords. The condition is called spasmodic dysphonia. The scratchy sound is a side-effect of the treatment I receive. I go through a cycle of shots every 11-12 weeks. There is no cause and no known cure for this condition. It’s my “thorn in my side.” I have been a patient for 10+ years with this condition.
- What activities do you enjoy? I enjoy active things. I love to hike with Amy and my family. I enjoy athletic activities. I played collegiate tennis and now enjoy pickleball. I am most drawn to golf and enjoy playing at every opportunity. I also appreciate board and card games at social gatherings. I am a St. Louis Cardinal, Tennessee Titan, and Memphis Tigers fan!
- Did you always want to be a pastor? No, I started out pre-med in college because I am drawn to service and helping others. However, I made a “B” in micro-biology and my professor called me in and said, “If you make “B’s” in my class, you won’t make it in medical school.” I changed my major. Meanwhile, I grew up in the church and found great comfort there, and as I mentioned earlier, I had a call to be helpful and serve others. I was ultimately called to be a pastor.
- Are there any little-known facts about yourself? I served 6 years as a volunteer firefighter and first responder in Oakland, TN, and held the position of Assistant Chief my last two years of being on the department.