Today's Minister: Pastor Rod Hembree

Rod’s journey with God has been one of unexpected discovery and wonder that has moulded him into a man with a tattered, well-worn and unyielding faith. Despite his long family legacy of inspiring pastors, his journey to faith was not easy.

Today Rod finds unending delight in the Bible, but like most of us, he hasn’t always felt that way. As a Pastor’s kid, Rod struggled to connect with God and His Word. But at 14 he read through the Psalms and felt everything shift. Rod felt convicted and asked the Holy Spirit to intervene in His life. Formerly the boy running from the police, Rod became the boy carrying a torn up Bible with him everywhere. He even lost 21 of them in one year – left behind in school buses, lunch rooms and relinquished to skeptical teachers who demanded his complete attention. He was enamoured!

After graduating from college in Arkansas, Rod relocated to Ontario, Canada to work alongside his father and other family members at Kennedy Road Tabernacle (KRT). It was there that Rod met and fell in love with his wife, Janice. Together they have three children and four grandchildren (and counting).

Like many, Rod and his family have experienced a considerable amount of trauma and pain on their faith journey. After the failed radio ministry dreams of working alongside his father, Ron, coupled with feelings of frustration with the Church, Rod pursued a career in marketing and became the Executive Vice President at Tavco Marketing & Media. He had no plans to return to a pastoral role or Christian television, but in 1987, Rod reconnected with his friend David Mainse who asked him to return and work alongside him in Christian television. After much prayer, Rod took a step of faith and returned, becoming the Senior Producer at 100 Huntley Street until 1994.

In 1993, Rod took the position of Executive Director with Bible Discovery (formerly Quick Study Television). It was here that the Lord restored the vision Rod and his father had given up on 10 years earlier. Together, Rod and Ron created a program that helps people understand how to engage with the Bible. Bible Discovery is an international media ministry invested in educating, edifying and encouraging the believer to think and boldly explore the Truth.

The road was still fraught with many ups and downs but the Lord has been faithful in both. Today, Rod and his wife Janice, along with their two adult children Corie and Ryan, complete the Bible Discovery team of four. In Rod’s own words, “It’s a family thing.”

Source: Bible Discovery