Growing up with a legacy of Christ followers in his family, Roger Springer knew every Sunday morning would be spent in the house of the Lord. Shortly after giving his life to Christ, a Sunday School teacher told Roger’s grandmother that he would be a pastor someday. Now he’s celebrating his 20th year of pastoral service for the Lord.
Despite a fear of public speaking, Roger agreed to lead worship one Sunday in his younger years. He shook with fear on that front pew, but then sensed the Holy Spirit saying, “This will be fun.” That was the catalyst that led him to begin preaching from the pulpit in 2006. In 2017, he joined Living Hope Community Church in Hopedale, Illinois, an FEC church with roots that run 125 years deep.
Throughout the years, one of the greatest lessons Roger learned is to cherish God’s Word. He has witnessed the Holy Spirit reveal things in greater depth as Roger has grown mature enough to digest them. Wisdom has also come from others in his life, like his wife of 41 years, Eileen.
Roger received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease four years ago. A long-time friend who has a more advanced case of the disease sends Roger weekly calls and messages with encouraging words, songs, and Bible verses. “It’s a real blessing to have somebody like that in my life dealing with the same thing, way further down the road, and to know he is a wonderful man of faith and encourages me to stay the course.”
Living Hope Community Church joined FEC in 2012, allowing Roger to connect with other pastors and leaders through THRIVE retreats over the years. “I think the denomination is in really, really good hands,” says Roger. “I have loved being with FEC and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
After 35 years of farming and 20 years of pastoral ministry, Roger is retiring this year and looks forward to seeing what the Lord does in his church and community next.
