Hello. Let me introduce myself.  My name is Bob Ruth. I am a Full Elder in the United Methodist Church. While my title is reverend; I prefer to be called pastor Bob. I completed my Master of Divinity Degree from Sewanee School of Theology in 2012. I was fully ordained in the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2014.

    God called me into ordained minister later in life. It is a call that has blessed me in so many ways. I love to serve congregations. It thrills me to see God’s people come together and share in their walks with Christ. I love preaching, team building, engaging in ministries to the community, and sharing this wonderful experience we call being a church family.

    My entire professional career has been one of service to others. After earning my Master of Science Degree from the University of Tennessee, (Go Vols!) I had a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years. I am committed to doing what John Wesley teaches us. That is, “To do all the good you can.”

    I was a member of Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church when God called me into ordained ministry. God works in amazing ways! God also called my wife Elaine into ordained ministry. We love sharing the experience of being a clergy couple.  

   I enjoy people. I love to laugh because I have the joy of having Christ in my life.  

    Having grown up in East Tennessee, I have an appreciation for this region of the country. I love to hike in the mountains and fly fish for trout in mountain streams.  I also enjoy playing guitar to relax.

    God has blessed me in so many ways.

    May God’s peace and love be with you!   Pastor Bob