Pastor Bob's Bio
Rev. Bob L. Isip is currently in his fourth year as Senior Pastor of First UMC Torrance. After his parents migrated from Pampanga, Philippines, Bob was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, got his BA at Westmar College in Iowa, and then received his MDiv degree at the Claremont School of Theology. He has served various churches from Ventura to San Diego County, and most recently San Gabriel. His pastoral experience totals 20 years.
Pastor Bob’s preaching style incorporates contemporary and modern interpretations of the Bible and life’s themes. His messages aim at practical issues of life, while drawing on life’s experiences, current events, popular literature, and humor.
He has a strange tendency towards reading popular non-fiction books by women–Kathleen Norris, Rosemary Mahoney, Joan Borysenko, Ann Lamott. Although you’ll find a wide variety authors on his bookshelves.
In his single status, he enjoys many recreational activities including an annual summer bicycle tour and playing volleyball. Less frequently he’ll go bodysurfing and snowboarding. His vice is his insatiable appetite for sports, especially watching football, in particular University of Hawaii football. When not consuming sports, Pastor Bob can be a “foodie”. He also has a weird eye for buffets.
In addition to Sundays and the usual administrative duties, Bob regularly participates in the wide spectrum of ministries at the church: the once a month Outreach Lunch program, the youth group, the church’s book club, and the men’s recycling program. Occasionally he’ll play the guitar, sing karaoke, or act out a biblical character.
He is on Facebook and has recently become a tweeter. Follow his musings at twitter.com/eppbob.