"It's All About the Kids:" Meet Elder Robert Carr

Written by Kylie Burks

Life moves in seasons. With the passing of figurative springs, summers, winters, and falls, people come and go, priorities change, and growth occurs within and outside of a person. For elder Robert Carr, his season currently revolves around his family: his wife Sarah and their four kids.

            “90% of my energy is dedicated to my family; it’s all about the kids in this phase of life. We’re making sure they’re getting the education they need, the religious upbringing they need, and that we’re developing their character,” he explained.

            Robert has lived with his family in Springfield for 12 years. Though his career in radiology previously took him to other states including Washington and Colorado, eventually the Carr family found themselves back in southwest Missouri where they are close to his family. They have no intention of leaving any time soon.

            “The idea of moving is kind of daunting and feels unnecessary. The kids need stability and I think the more stable we can keep everything, the better,” Robert said.

            Robert and Sarah’s kids range in age from 11 down to a one-year-old. At these ages, children are still forming distinctions between right and wrong and are imitating the actions of the adults around them. For Robert, this truth is especially pressing as he weighs his actions against what he is trying to instill in his children.

“Faith affects everything, especially the way you live your life. Your children see that. I think the kids look at their mom and dad as their role models and as the people who have all the answers, even though they don’t,” he said. “It’s important to remember that your kids see [what you do].”

Not only is Robert passionate about living according to Christ’s examples for his kids’ sake, but he is also passionate about using the words and knowledge God has given him to instill truth in their minds and hearts.

“I think it’s important to talk to the kids about faith and guide them along the way,” he said. “The biggest success I could have would be for my children to be strong Christians and have good direction in their life.”

Robert’s own Christian upbringing has influenced much of his thoughts on raising a godly family. He grew up with two parents who were both strong Christians and who taught him about their faith until it became his own.

Though he never had a major conversion experience, Robert reflected that his faith has grown in tandem with different milestones in his life, including graduating high school, attending college, getting married, and having children.

“My faith has grown along with me because I’ve had to change my life and adapt,” Robert said.

With every milestone and ordinary moment that passes, Robert’s desire to live for God has grown; this has affected decisions he has made and how he has dealt with various situations.

“What I’d like to do is what Jesus calls us to do: love the Lord with all my heart, mind, and soul and to love my neighbor as myself. I’ve used the phrase ‘what would Jesus do?’ in a lot of situations in my life. I think it’s always the right question to try and analyze,” he said.

Though Christ is his number one example, Robert has had many mentors over his lifetime, including his father when he was young and his wife today. Pastor Don has also been an influential figure as he encourages the elders in their faith.

“It’s nice to have a role model you can trust and go to with any question, trusting you’ll get an answer. You really need someone you can respect and someone who lives by example,” Robert said.

Robert became an elder two and a half years ago. He has served on various committees including the children’s committee, a position he felt passionate about because of his dedication to his own family. With every opportunity he has to further God’s kingdom, Robert desires to remain humble, recognizing that this world is not his final destination.

“Being humble is very important and [so is] having integrity. I think knowing this life is very temporary and that eternal life is infinitely more important than life on Earth [is important to keep in mind],” he said.

Robert looks forward to continuing to serve his God, his family, and First & Calvary through his words and actions, striving to point back to the ministry of Christ.