This month, the Central California Conference is pleased to highlight Pastor Robert Wilcox, who serves the Porterville, Reedley and Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist churches. His journey to pastoral ministry is a story of faith shaped by personal tragedy, mission service and a passion for authentic discipleship.
A Faith Influenced by Family
Wilcox was raised in a Seventh-day Adventist home and, as a child, looked up to his father—a man transformed by a profound spiritual conversion. “I watched my dad reading his Bible constantly,” Wilcox said. “That inspired me to do the same.”
Tragically, Wilcox’s father was diagnosed with cancer and died within six weeks, leaving a 13-year-old Wilcox seeking deeper meaning in life. “Life had been fun and games until then,” he said. “Suddenly, I realized life is fragile and I needed answers only God could provide.”
From Carpentry to Albania
Although he attended seminary, Wilcox initially resisted a call to full-time ministry. He worked as a carpenter in Denver before he and his wife spent 10 years in Albania as missionaries for Adventist Frontier Missions, planting a church in a region resistant to the gospel. After returning to the United States, he pursued furniture-making while continuing lay ministry.
“I told God, ‘I don’t want to pastor, and if You want me to, You’ll have to make it happen,’” Wilcox recalled. “When He did open that door, He had changed my heart to where I truly wanted to pastor.”Family and Hobbies
Wilcox and his wife Kelly—a nurse—have three daughters, each following their own path in music, writing and physical therapy. “I grew up with three brothers,” Wilcox said. “Now, I’m the only man in the house, and I love it!”
In his free time, Wilcox enjoys cycling anywhere from 100 to 140 miles a week to clear his head and reduce stress. He also once tackled a two-day “big wall” climb in Yosemite. “I do miss my woodshop,” he added, “but I’m grateful the door opened to ministry.”
A Ministry of Relationships
Wilcox’s passion lies in building authentic community. Whether in Porterville’s homeless outreach, leadership training in Reedley or personal connections in Lindsay, he prioritizes intentional discipleship.
“I am convinced we’re good at getting people into church, but not as good at helping them grow in Christ,” he said. “Church is about two things: relationships and the Word of God. We want those two tightly woven together.”
He encourages relationship-centered evangelism, urging members to form genuine friendships with those outside the church. For his part, Wilcox often rides with local cyclists, forging connections and spiritual conversations along the way.
Prayer Requests
Pastor Wilcox asks for prayer in helping all three congregations embrace a more relational culture—one where members linger after services to share victories, trials and spiritual insights. “We don’t grow very well alone,” he said. “We need each other for support and encouragement.”
Written by Justin Kim
