history

Pastor Bob Yawberg’s 42 years of pastoral ministry began in rural NW Ohio in 1953.  In his mid-20’s, a fellow pastor came to him confessing near moral failure and heart break which he had not shared with anyone at that time. Little did Bob realize where the Lord would lead him to provide “a safe place where a pastor could be open and honest with his struggles.”

From rural NW Ohio, God called Bob to Ft Wayne, IN to serve 10 years with a congregation in the suburbs and then 23 years with a central city ministry as lead pastor at Broadway Christian Church. During that time, pastors repeatedly turned to him for prayer, encouragement, and mentoring.  In the 1990’s he was called to assist with the Pastor’s Prayer Summit Movement.  A great need was met in these four-day prayer retreats providing a safe fellowship to confess sins and find spiritual renewal. Bob would also disciple pastors on the importance of the first hour in the a.m. of spending time in the Word and prayer. “Not for sermon hunting, but for the sake of a pastor’s soul.” 

As Bob served in the local church, he came alongside and mentored many pastors. Many sought his counsel and wisdom.  He would provide them a safe place to be vulnerable as he would listen to their struggles in their ministry and personal lives. Henri J. M. Nouwen wrote:

“I am convinced that many priests and ministers, especially those who relate to many anguishing people, need a truly safe place for themselves.  They need a place where they can share their deep pain and struggles with people who do not need them, but who can guide them ever deeper into the mystery of God’s love. I, personally, have been fortunate in having found such a place…. Would that all priests and ministers could have such a safe place for themselves” (Reflections on Christian Leadership – In the Name of Jesus). 

In 1997, retiring from the local church, Bob was released for a new ministry in which Pastors In Prayer Ministry was birthed. His call would be to support and encourage pastoral leaders throughout the Body of Christ. 

In 2018 after 20 years of assisting Bob, Pastor Kevin Duval moved into the leadership with the same heart and vision providing guidance and encouragement to pastors. He walked along with many pastors in their ministry providing personal prayer support leading to intimacy with Jesus and a safe place to share. After serving in this role for more than 5 years, another transition of leadership was required. 

Last January, Kevin passed on the leadership mantel to Pastor Johnny McCallister, known to many as Johnny Mac. In June of 2023 Kevin's wife, Cindy, was diagnosed with cancer. Because of the journey before them, Kevin approached the board after their gift and support of a sabbatical, requesting to move into a part-time position in order to continue the care of Cindy. Pastor Johnny was concluding a 14-year ministry with 1st Church in Columbia City and Kevin approached him to consider taking over the ministry. With the blessings of Pastor Bob and board approval, Johnny Mac accepted the call to this ministry. This was certainly a "God-leading" answer since Johnny Mac had been a "timothy" of Bob for many years and had served with Kevin in two previous church ministries. Together, these three are dedicated and committed to the work ahead by walking along side of pastors (wives and families) in their personal life and calling to ministry.

Today, at 91, Pastor Bob continues to bring a strong foundation of prayer support and mentoring guidance to both Kevin and Johnny Mac. Bob also contributes monthly to this website with his life's devotions in his "Saying Yes" articles. 

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! (Psalm 3:1-3)