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A Suffolk church is welcoming a new senior pastor amid the challenges of COVID-19.

On Jan. 17, Bethlehem Christian Church at 1549 Holland Road voted in its new senior pastor, Rob Slingluff.

Slingluff was previously the executive pastor at Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church for five years, and before that, he served as the youth pastor at Immanuel’s Church in Silver Springs, Md. Bethlehem Christian Church is his first opportunity to be a senior pastor.

“The opportunity came my way and sort of dropped in my lap,” said Slingluff. “A friend mentioned that Bethlehem was looking for a pastor, and so I pursued it, and the Lord opened a door.”

Slingluff moved to Suffolk in 2005 from his hometown in Maryland. He and his wife of 20 years, Kim, are proud parents of their five teenagers, Lee, Hannah, Thomas, Julia and John, as well as their 4-month-old foster daughter.

“I am very excited,” he said. “I can’t even tell you how thrilled I am to be here. I feel like God has opened a door, and I’m excited to serve Bethlehem Christian and the local community. I couldn’t be happier.”

All through his life, Slingluff has felt a call to ministry. He received his Master of Divinity degree at Regent University in hopes of being able to help others and show the love of God.

“I am passionate about helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and sharing the love of God with those in the community,” said Slingluff. “I have a love for God and a love for people.”

His arrival comes at a difficult time for Bethlehem Christian Church. The church includes many senior citizens, making gathering as a congregation while staying safe challenging during COVID-19. The church has returned to meeting in person again; however, many still tune in on Facebook Live from the safety of their home and stay in contact with their church family despite the distance.

Slingluff welcomes anyone to join the 11 a.m. service every Sunday at the church’s location on Holland Road or virtual on Facebook Live.