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We are thrilled to welcome Rob Ray as the next Assistant Pastor at Perry Methodist Church. Our church is experiencing a season of growth and transformation, and Rob’s return to Perry Methodist is both timely and exciting as we embrace this next chapter together.
Rob is a familiar face to many here; he grew up in this congregation, the son of active members Bob and Karen Ray. With a strong foundation in faith and biblical theology, Rob brings both the warmth of familiarity and a fresh perspective. He holds a seminary degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, and after returning to Perry with his wife, Anna, and their son, Robbie, Rob is ready to answer God’s call to ministry within our church.
Reflecting on his childhood at Perry Methodist, Rob shares, “Growing up here was the sweetest of times for me. There’s nothing like being raised around your best friends in a community of such wonderful people. With so many memories, it’s often difficult to articulate the impact a church can have on someone. I’ll never forget the hours spent playing guitar on our middle school worship team, practicing tirelessly, only to miss every note when it came time to play in front of our peers. A joyful noise, as they say. It’s truly an honor to step into this role and walk into a new season with each of you.”
A Personal Journey and Calling to Ministry
While Rob’s roots at Perry Methodist run deep, his calling to pastoral ministry was solidified during a transformative season in Athens, Georgia. Rob recalls, “During my time at the University of Georgia, I spent a day reading through the entire book of Mark in the botanical gardens. God was doing a deep, unexpected work in my heart. It was like His Spirit was breathing new life into me. In that moment, I felt a clear invitation: if I was looking for life, I’d be best if I gave mine up. Jesus was asking me to give Him my yes, and so I did. My life hasn’t been the same since.”
Rob’s Hope for Perry Methodist Church
Rob’s hope for Perry Methodist is that it would be a place where every member experiences a close, life-giving relationship with God. He reflects on John 17:3, which says, “This is eternal life, to know God and the one that He sent, Jesus.” Rob shares, “Growing up in the Bible Belt, John 3:16 was always in the forefront: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. But when I read John 17:3, I began to realize that eternal life isn’t just something for the end of our existence. Eternal life begins with knowing God, here and now.”
In his role, Rob hopes to foster a church environment where members actively serve and care for one another and the broader community. “Imagine a community of people choosing to lay down their lives for the sake of their neighbor,” he says. “What if we truly embraced Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves, to break bread with those we may disagree with, and to find joy in sharing our lives with each other?”
Life Beyond Ministry
Outside of ministry, Rob is a passionate musician, a love that he traces back to moments of pure joy as a middle schooler discovering Bob Marley’s music. “Music often extracts feelings within us that we can’t articulate ourselves,” he shares. “I believe it offers something so core to our journey with God.” Rob also enjoys spending time with family, taking walks, and engaging in activities that bring others to life, from coffee conversations to community gardening.
Supporting Rob and His Family
As Rob transitions into this new role, he asks for the congregation’s support through prayer. “We believe in the power of intercession. If you are a person of prayer, please join us as we walk in this new venture. We believe this time can be very special for our community, and we want to steward it in the direction God desires.”
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