Pastor Larry Hobbes
"I can really relate to the ancient prophet of Israel when he described me as a straying sheep. "All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way." My outlook was, 'I want to do my own thing.' 'I want to do it my way.' The trouble with that way of thinking is "There is a way which seems right to a man but the ends of it are the ways of death," Proverbs 14.
"So I thank God that He sent Jesus Christ to pay the death penalty for my sin as my substitute. "The Lord has laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all." Jesus took my guilt and shame, my sin and penalty to the cross and died there as my substitute to make the way of eternal life for me. In the glorious power of His resurrection from the dead He makes all things new for those who receive His Word by trusting in Christ.
"It is my delight to claim Jesus Christ as my Master and Shepherd and to rejoice in being a part of his flock. It has also been my joy to serve Him in local church ministries for over 30 years. I look forward to seeing what God will do to advance the gospel here in northeast Ohio."
Pastor Hobbes began his study for the gospel ministry at Baptist Bible College in his native state of Pennsylvania, finishing with an MDiv. He pastored First Baptist Church in Castle Creek, NY for over 17 years. While there, the church was involved with the start up of the Bethel Baptist Church near Albany, NY.
After serving on a church staff in northwest Indiana, Pastor Hobbes took on the role of planting a church in Lafayette, IN, which was under the direction of Grace Church. Berean Baptist Church has been established since October of 2004 and called a Pastor in February 2007. Pastor Hobbes has relocated to northeast Ohio as a church planter and is also working on postgraduate studies at Northland Baptist Bible College.
Pastor Hobbes is ministering to our Maturity Matters (60s plus) and is involved in our church outreach. He is also a part of our ARCHministries team whose objective is to encourage local churches across the US and Canada to do the work of planting new churches in obedience to the Great Commission. Larry and his wife, Meg, are holding Bible studies in Geauga County to begin the planting of Maple Hills Church in the western part of Geauga County.
Larry and Meg also have a burden to encourage people who have gone through times of loss. In recent years, Meg lost her first husband to a heart attack and Larry lost his first wife to cancer. They have experienced the struggles with loneliness, loss, readjustments to being alone, etc. that can be so difficult. Larry says, "God's grace is sufficient to every need that we face. If we can be an encouragement to help people face difficult times by seeking the grace of God, we are here to help."
You may email Pastor Hobbes at LLHobbes@juno.com.