Rev. Bob Rhodes serves as the Lead Pastor at La Jolla United Methodist Church, bringing a rich tapestry of experiences and a deep passion for inclusive ministry. Originally from South Florida, Bob grew up in Santa Clarita, California. Before entering ministry, he worked as a software engineer at the Kinko’s corporate office, which nurtured his passion for technology. His journey toward ministry was profoundly influenced by his time serving as a camp counselor and leader, where he first experienced his call to ministry. Bob later earned a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, with a focus on Worship, Preaching, and the Arts. Upon completing his time at Claremont, he was honored with the Fellowship Award for excellence in Worship Arts.
Bob’s ministerial path has been diverse and impactful. While attending CST, Bob served as the Pastoral Intern at La Habra United Methodist Church north of Anaheim. After seminary, he served as Associate Pastor at a 1,400-member church in Grand Island, Nebraska. Collaborating with interfaith colleagues and community members, Bob led the development of an innovative church-sponsored worship experience outside the church, designed to welcome non-religious persons. This initiative received favorable press coverage and an award from the local Arts Council. Bob also became a public advocate for LGBTQ+ concerns in Grand Island, speaking at various public and civic gatherings to promote justice and equality in employment, housing, and other protections. In 2012, Bob was commissioned as a provisional member of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, marking an important step in his journey toward ordination.
In 2014, Bob returned to California, serving at Pacific Beach UMC, where he led and expanded a vital ministry serving persons experiencing homelessness and food-insecure families, persevering despite efforts to shut it down. In 2016, Bob was ordained as an Elder and became a Member in Full Connection of the California-Pacific Annual Conference. He was appointed to La Jolla UMC in 2020.
Bob’s ministry is inspired by the Pentecost story in Acts 2, and he is passionate about communicating the Gospel through various “languages,” including music and technology. Bob has explored theologies of secular music and creatively uses media to reach a diverse audience. Bob is dedicated to inclusivity, focusing on supporting unsheltered and disadvantaged persons, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to local church ministry, Bob has served as the Annual Conference Secretary for the California-Pacific Conference since 2019, working alongside the Bishop and Conference Staff to coordinate key aspects of each Annual Conference Session.
Beyond his pastoral duties, Bob cherishes time with his family. Bob and his wife, Kimmie, married in 2024 and live in San Diego with his two children. An accomplished musician and songwriter, Bob enjoys playing the guitar, singing, and is working on a Christian Rock project. He also shares his love for music with his sons, who have their own musical interests in jazz and pop.
Rooted in a deep commitment to inclusivity and innovation, Bob’s leadership centers on deepening connections, embracing diverse perspectives, and making faith accessible in today’s world.