Testimonials

It is my absolute privilege to recommend Bob Bedford to you or to your congregation as a gifted supply pastor in ministry to give pastors brief periods of respite.

At the time of the writing of this letter, I have been Bob’s pastor for over two years, and I have been impressed by both his humble demeanor and resolute spirit.

I entered pastoral ministry early in my life and left the work for a time because of burnout. I have reentered the work again after finding restoration and renewal through the relationships of others around me who graciously gave of themselves to see me find wholeness again. The type of ministry others gave to me is at the heart of Bob’s call as senior pastor and founder of Lathered Up Ministries. I truly believe I could have avoided burnout if I had nurtured a relationship with someone, like Bob, who had my best interest in mind, during my tenure in ministry. In my opinion, there is real value in the ministry of encouragement. This type of ministry Bob has extended to me and now extends to you.

Bob comes to you very qualified. For decades he was a successful businessman and dedicated church lay leader. After leaving his company, he felt called to attend seminary. After graduating, he strongly felt the need to bring relief and support to pastors in a unique way: temporary, short-term engagements filling the pulpit and tending to shepherding duties, so that God’s men might have time away to rest. 

Bob took the call seriously and earned a MATS degree in order to be fully prepared to serve the Church professionally and with integrity. He is conservative doctrinally and very grounded in his faith.

One of Bob’s greatest strengths is encouragement. He has been very encouraging to me in many instances throughout our relationship. Many within my congregation have benefitted from his compassion and encouragement as well.

Bob is very conscientious and dedicated. He has exhibited this in many ways to me by coming alongside me with advice and great observations. He has done this without ever once being pushy or exhibiting any type of critical spirit.

In the past he has filled our pulpit and he will be invited to do so again. He has a rock-solid, Bible-based theology and he is well capable of communicating the Gospel to all age groups. If you engage Bob, you will get a passionate preacher who focuses on quality exegesis and treats Biblical context as king. In my experience, he always emphasizes the underlying gospel message regardless of topic. 

Bob is a man of integrity and I trust him completely. He has always been completely open and honest with me. Along with exhibiting the above attributes, he is a well-established and mature believer in many other ways too.

Please feel free to contact me if there is anything I can add or clarify.

May the Lord bless you,

B. Joe Mecham, Pastor

The Lord’s Chapel

Segundo, Colorado  81082