Pastor Mike joined Valley Brook Baptist Church as its pastor and with his bike rides, he tries to involve folks in a healthy habit just as he tries to bring those around him closer to God.

I sat across the desk from him and wondered about the many things I did not know about him.
I knew that he was a captain of industry who came to the ministry later than most, leaving behind big business for the most important business of all. I knew that he had baptized me and
helped knit together the pieces to a long and perplexing spiritual journey. He had spoken at the
memorial service of many of his new church, helping to assuage the hardest pain of some of
his new flock; and been at the hospital before some of his sick congregation members even
arrived there, beating the EMS team. He was a no-nonsense, brass tacks kind of guy--even the blind man in the parable could see that.

I remembered when he was selected as our new pastor, and most of us only had a name, with the selection committee having all the details. We had to meet and greet this man of God and form our impressions. It didn’t take long for me--it happened at the first family supper after he was pastor. I am a people watcher and there is much to be gleaned from actions and reactions, body language and gestures. He milled quietly around, talking to all while we formed our two lines and served ourselves. Then, and only then, did he start to fill a plate. Yes, there it was, clear as day. His flock would come first, and we knew that without a word or another sermon or a meeting. He road-tested well, this new man of the cloth.

But, it was time to find out the other things that would help us to know Pastor Mike Roper. And as we did that, we thought we would share these things with you, should you like to come and visit us at Valley Brook Baptist Church.

So, to the questions:
 

Q.: Pastor Mike, shortly after you came to Valley Brook we saw a profusion of bicycles on
Saturday mornings as you organized our first bike rides. What led you to this activity, and
how does it serve our church?

A.: Having been a cyclist enthusiast since 1976 leading a ride from the church was a natural
progression. This kind of visible activity shows us to be alive in the community and demonstrates an emphasis on physical health as well as spiritual health. Each compliments the other.

Q.: Could you briefly tell our readers how you came to the ministry?

A.: During the decade of the 1990’s several influences came together that caused me to
slow down the pace of living and begin to appreciate the truly important aspects of
life. One such influence was caring for aging parents. That not only caused me to slow
down a bit; it also brought about a realization of the significance and value of human
life and relationships. People are so important.

Then, in 1998 I was asked to substitute for a Sunday morning Bible Study teacher just
“one time.” That one time became a permanent pleasure and I’ve been teaching the Bible
practically every Sunday since. In 2000 I enrolled in Luther Rice Seminary to take
“one” theology class just to be a better equipped teacher. Next semester there were
two classes along with a growing realization of God’s call to ministry. As we often hear:
“The rest is history.”

Q.: What do you see as the biggest challenge for Christianity in today’s chaotic world with
its daily financial and ethical woes?

A: Financial uncertainty is a significant concern. Whenever people are frightened or unsure there is a generally greater appreciation for spiritual matters. People turn to God for comfort and direction. We are familiar with the old cliché “There are no atheists in foxholes.” The church offers stability and perspective that can encourage and offer hope in any time.

The ethical deterioration of our society is a major problem for the church and for society
as a whole. The prevailing humanist ideology with its emphasis on self fulfillment and lack
of restraint is taking its toll all across America; the false attraction of such philosophy is
bringing about rapid and devastating results. Morality, self respect and respect for others
has brought about increasing crime rates, major behavioral problems in schools and a deterioration
of the American work ethic. It is difficult for Christianity, which calls for self-
sacrifice, surrender and discipline, to counter a system that appeals to what is promoted to be
a life of self-fulfillment, freedom, personal choice, liberty and pleasure. This presents a
great challenge for the church today. Missionary, Jim Taylor, addressed the challenge of
Christian surrender when he said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep in order
to gain what he cannot lose.”
 

Q.: We all know and love your wonderful wife, Janet, who seems like a friend to each one of us. How has she helped you on your journey to the ministry?

A.:   After a struggle of several months with the call to ministry, I realized it was time to discontinue secular work and devote my time to education and ministry in some form.  Reluctantly one afternoon, upon arriving at home, I told Janet of my decision.  I was apprehensive about informing her of what would result in such a radical change in our lives.  Her response:  “I’ve been waiting to hear you say that!” From the very start Janet has been a major support system and continues to support and encourage every step of the way.  She is my right arm and partner in life and ministry.

Q.: What was the most important thing you learned as you studied to be a pastor, and what is the most important lesson you have learned from having your own church?

A.: So many vital lessons have been learned it is difficult to narrow the list.  I’ll mention just a few.  Stay true to the Word of God, “keep the main thing the main thing,” keeping the focus on God and away from self.

The most important lesson learned from having my own church?  That answer is easy.  Leading people in a church environment is nothing like leading people in the work place.  I say that with a smile, and really that truth should be obvious, but it was indeed a lesson to be learned.

Q.: How do you achieve the balance all the experts recommend, and manage to have a family life (which every Christian yearns for) as you serve the congregation of Valley Brook?

A.: My time with Janet is valuable and we both work hard to protect it.  In a typical week I don’t go to the office on Friday; those afternoons and evenings become “date day.”  To tell the truth I haven’t figured out how to spend adequate time with our children and other family members.  We manage to cover the “main events” but don’t have the involvement we would like to enjoy.  I’m still working on this one.

Q.: What is your biggest hope for our church as we all face the future together?

A.: The simple, yet complex answer is that in all things we will be pleasing to God.  A primary emphasis that we keep before the congregation is continual spiritual growth and awareness.  Naturally I want the Valley Brook church to experience stability, spiritual and numeric growth while continuing to positively influence our community.   

And I know that you want to get the details in for those bike enthusiasts, so give us the dates, times, etc. for those who want to join you.

The ride, “Valley Brook Backstretch” occurs every other Saturday, providing an opportunity for participants to enjoy a group ride of 12 miles or so, and of course, lunch follows at a local restaurant.  Riders meet in the church parking at 10:30 a.m. on ride day.  We follow a route that takes us through several north Decatur neighborhoods, avoiding most, not all, major thoroughfares.  Riders should be comfortable with the distance and riding on public streets, “Sharing the Road.”   

There you have it, the story of one pastor as he tries to make a difference in today’s very perplexing world. So, grab your bike and come ride, or grab your bible on any Sunday and come to services, we would love to have you visit our church family.