God's Affirmative Action

Robert A. “Bob” Garwig has been a parish pastor for over 32 years serving churches in Ohio; North Carolina; Houston,Texas; Detroit, Michigan; and Portland, Oregon.  With a heart for “serving those on the fringe”, Bob took churches in need of redevelopment and, with the help of the Holy Spirit,  birthed these congregations into new life.  Bob is founding pastor of Clanton Road Presbyterian Church in Charlotte (NC), an African-American congregation serving the south side of the Queen city since 1993.  Bob was also senior pastor of Westminster Church of Detroit (MI), an inter-racial and multi-cultural congregation serving Motown’s northwest side.  Garwig was co-founder of the Bean Patch Project, a farming/self-help effort that annually produced and gave away over two tons of fresh produce to food banks and families in need throughout central Ohio.  Bob studied at The Ohio State University (and "played" in three Rose Bowls), earned his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL.

"One of my greatest joys is to witness God’s miraculous and grace-filled movement throughout life in the healing, forgiveness, comfort, and growth in grace that Jesus Christ provides free for the asking.  That “affirmative action” God manifests provides a hope that continually fills me to the top.  This website is for sharing that affirmative action so that you, too, might know or remember the hope that is within you by the power of Jesus Christ."

Retired from active parish ministry, Bob serves as adjunct staff for Tuality Church of Christ in Tigard, Oregon; operates a bus in metropolitan Portland; writes and speaks to groups on the Christian faith and practice; has run twenty marathons; enjoys hiking, gardening and music, playing with his golden retriever, Georgia; and keeping up with his daughter, Gwen; son-in-law, Phil; and son, Andy, in Los Angeles.