Jim and Chris were married in 1966 and began their ministry after Jim’s graduation from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in 1969. While stationed in Clovis, New Mexico with the U.S. Air Force, Jim was licensed as an Assemblies of God minister in that district, and later ministered in Army and Air Force chapel groups in Germany. He was ordained in 1976 while pastoring in Tennessee. The Robinsons have also served churches in Arkansas and Texas. Altogether, they have over 30 years of pastoral ministry experience. During their pastorate in Tennessee, Jim received a second bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications (emphasis in Radio and Television) with dual minors in Psychology and Speech from Middle Tennessee State University. He also received a master’s degree in Psychology from MTSU. Jim has taught Psychology, Child Psychology, and Marriage and Family courses on the college level.
Chris, the daughter of Assemblies of God ministers, is well acquainted with all types of church work. Proficient in both piano and organ, she has been involved in music ministry most of her life. She has also served in their pastorates as a teacher and women’s group leader.
In 2002, Global University asked Jim to bring together his years of pastoral experience and academic background to write a new textbook for Global’s Pastoral Counseling course. Two years later, Jim was asked to join the team at Global as a faculty member, and to help put together a “minor” in Pastoral Counseling (which has now been completed). After itinerating for two years, Jim and Chris began their ministry as “specialized service” AGWM missionaries in 2006.
In addressing church groups and seminars, the Robinsons have been able to bring both clinical instruction and Biblical encouragement to many individuals and families who have been affected by emotional and mental disorders. They have written a book–Chosen in the Furnace–on that topic.
