Raised in parsonages in Covina, Calif., and Dover, Ohio, Pastor David Robinson has known the Foursquare Church his entire life.
And even though he is retiring from Foursquare Church of Plant City, he doesn’t plan to end his involvement in the Foursquare family.
Robinson plans to travel Jamaica as a missionary and get involved with the religious programs for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
And, of course, he will never stop visiting the Plant City church he called home for eight years.
“This town is really unique, because it offers old-fashioned values,” Robinson said.
As someone who was raised in a strong church setting, Robinson has grown to expect those values.
“Life wasn’t easy,” Robinson said. “Your life is exposed; it’s not your own. You can’t be like the other kids. Your life is a showcase.”
Both his parents, Orlen Robinson and Sarah Karcher Hardwick Robinson, were Foursquare ministers and missionaries.
At age 10, Robinson became a Christian at an Ohio “singspiration” following a Sunday evening service.
The family then moved to Bradenton, where Robinson spent the majority of his youth. He graduated in 1966, from Manatee High School.
Going on to college, Robinson graduated in 1970, with an advanced ministerial degree from Mt. Vernon Bible College. Robinson also obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University, a bachelor’s degree in theology from LIFE Bible College East, a master’s degree in business from Indiana University and a teaching license in special education from Indiana University.
While going to school, he worked as a pastor throughout churches in Mansfield, Toledo and Indianapolis. He also held a variety of jobs. He drove a school bus — a job he jokingly says claimed all his hair. He also taught special education for 12 years.
“I get attached to people,” Robinson said. “You get attached to those kids.”
Robinson helped pioneer three new churches and in 2005, was on staff of the Florida District assisting needing churches.
Since coming to Plant City’s Foursquare Church in 2005, Robinson has been able to focus solely on being a pastor. He also has helped run the large food ministry.
“I love getting to watch the people grow and mature,” Robinson said. “You do see some who don’t grow. I guess that’s the hardest part.”
Robinson has been married to his wife, Naomi, since 1970. They have two children, David and Grace.
Robinson and his wife plan to move to a home in Bradenton but also will keep their home in Plant City.
His last day will be June 30. Dr. Joe Kelley, another pastor who has been with the Foursquare Church for 18 months, will take over for Robinson.
ABOUT FOURSQUARE CHURCH
The Foursquare Church, officially named the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, is a Pentecostal denomination that resulted from the evangelistic ministry of Aimee Semple McPherson, who opened Jan. 1, 1923, the historic Angelus Temple.
Foursquare Church of Plant City is located at 602 S. Evers St.
Sources: foursquare.org and foursquarechurchplantcityflorida.com
