The Transforming Center is thrilled to announce that, through a long and grace-filled process of discernment, Rob Kastens has agreed to join us as Chief Operations Officer beginning in mid-February. Working in close partnership with founder Ruth Haley Barton and the Transforming Center board, Rob will provide day-to-day leadership for staff along with strategic leadership for the organization as we seek to take hold of the future God has laid out for us.

Rob (TC6) and his wife Kelly(TC4) are not new to the Transforming Center; they have volunteered in key leadership roles since their participation in the Transforming Community experience.

Rob comes to us from Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD, having served as Executive Pastor there for over fifteen years. Rob and his wife, Kelly (Lead Worship Pastor at Mountain), have been highly valued leaders at Mountain and so dearly loved.  It is a joy to share that through a very open process, we have had the privilege of discerning with leaders from Mountain Christian. Even though there is real grief in the letting go, we affirm together that Rob’s coming seems good to the Holy Spirit and to all of us.

In announcing this change Rob shared, “Through the richness of my own experience in Transforming Community 6 (TC6), I was able to live more and more from my true self in God and to lead from a place of health and wholeness. Far too many Christian leaders are “leading on empty”; the Transforming Center has not only returned them to their first love but has truly strengthened the soul of their leadership. I’m excited to join the staff team of the Transforming Center to see a new generation of pastors and Christian leaders experience this same transformation and to help churches bring transformational discipleship back into the center of their ministry.”

Rob will begin his new role in Wheaton on February 19. As you can imagine, this is a huge step of faith for all involved. Please join us in praying for Rob and Kelly, that God would bless them as they take this brave step, and for Mountain Christian as they graciously release them.  And pray for the Transforming Center, that God would continue to provide for all our needs as we seek to respond to his presence and leading among us.