Pastor Hendricks

Pastor Robert comes from a family of thirteen – nine sisters and three brothers (his oldest brother died in the 60’s following a motorcycle accident).  Born on December 7, 1956 in Compton, California, he is a victor of multiple childhood challenges which included having an alcoholic father, molestation at the age of eleven, and diagnosed with scoliosis.  These challenges worked for the benefit in his adult life.

 

In 1973, Pastor Robert acknowledged that he was a sinner (Romans 3:23), that he did not want to be separated from God (Romans 6:23), that Jesus died so he could have eternal life (John 3:16), and that Jesus was waiting to come into his life (Revelation 3:20).  In his bedroom, one Friday night, he asked Christ to come into his life.  You, too, can ask Christ to come into your life; if you have not done so, do it now.  Pastor Robert accepts emails at cmypastor@aol.com so that he can rejoice with you and help your spiritual growth.  It was also in 1973 that he started his high school education at Long Beach Poly High School (and he is so proud to be “A RABBIT”).  Pastor’s high school experience proved to be a highlight in his life in relation to spiritual (as a member of the “Agape” Christian Club) and interracial interactions.  He graduated from Long Beach Poly High School with honors and scholarships in 1976.

Pastor Robert continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science, Social Work from California State University Long Beach in 1983.  Prior to graduating from college, through a college Christian club (Christ Is The Answer – founded by Ingrid Moseley), he met his wife, Colleen, to whom he’s been happily married for over thirty years.”  At that time, the blonde, freckled-face blessing from God knocked him off his feet.  “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord,” (Proverbs 18:22).  Pastor Robert and Colleen married August 1, 1981.  Coco (short for Colleen) and Pastor Robert are the proud parents of two sons – Adam and Tyler.

 

For certain it was not his desire to become “a preacher,” as he says he associated preachers with driving big cars and eating chicken.  One day, while reading about Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:8) he realized that God was calling him into ministry.  He thought the ability of God using him – an ordinary person – was pretty slim in light of the biblical spiritual giants.

Pastor Robert was called into the ministry in 1981, where he preached his first sermon at New Hope Church of Christ (Holiness), USA in Long Beach, California.  It was in the 80’s that Pastor Robert met Dr. John Plummer, Jr., the organizer of New Testament Church – a Godly man who became his Pastor and mentor.  He would eventually serve as the Youth minister under Pastor Plummer until February 1993, when God called Pastor Plummer to his “Heavenly Home.”

 

He served as interim pastor of New Testament from the time of Pastor Plummer’s death until a new pastor was installed.  Shortly after the new pastor was installed, he and his family made a transition from New Testament Church to Christ Temple Church of Christ (Holiness), USA in Los Angeles, where he served as the Assistant Pastor until October 1998.

 

Through acts of circumstances and the providence of God, Pastor Robert returned to New Testament in October 1998 (many supernatural things took place during those five years away and are highlighted in his book, “From a Cry  to a Shout”).  He came back to New Testament, as Interim Pastor, appointed by Bishop Robert L. Winn, the Presiding Officer.  Later, he was selected as Pastor where he now serves full time for the glory of God.  Prior to becoming a full time pastor, he worked at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center/Home Health as a Medical Social Worker for thirteen years.  He also served as Chaplain for their Hospice program.