Robert Polen

It is lunch time. Staff  have gathered on the fourth floor. Robert Polen is in his usual seat at the end closest to his office. And as usual, he is expounding on whatever topic has come up – movies, theology, restaurants, popular culture, history, sports, etc. Even without his smartphone, Robert knows a lot, and better yet, is interesting to listen to. He combines two traits not easy to master for a young man – being knowledgeable without being conceited. To this description we use one of Robert’s common responses, “fair enough.”

Robert first came as an intern entering Westminster Seminary. We had begun the strategic planning process, and he was assigned secretary of the committee. He quickly proved to be not only adept at organizing material but also was a valuable contributor in the discussions.

Robert then served under Jonathan Olsen in the college and career ministry, eventually succeeding Jonathan as the director of that ministry, and later to his present position as Director of Metro Outreach. Because of his impressive organizational skills, Robert also served as Phil Ryken’s personal assistant for a time. Indeed, one is tempted to focus on Robert’s organizational, self-disciplined skills, but that would be to lose sight of what matters to him.

Robert came to seminary with the intent for a career in academia, a career in which he surely could have excelled. But along the way (rubbing shoulders with Jonathan Olsen and Aaron Messner), Robert developed a passion for the local church. He believes in the church as the primary means of community and ministry for Christ’s kingdom, and he loves the city.

And this accounts for Robert’s next stage of life. He and his wife Jennifer have developed an ingenious plan for remaining in the city and serving the local church in urban areas where most Presbyterian churches have struggled. Robert is entering the Masters of Social Work program at Temple. (Not unexpectedly, he was offered a paid research position.) His goal is to earn a masters in social work that will allow him to join his wife in offering licensed counseling that individuals of low income can access. He could either aid a small urban church (think Grace and Peace for now) or plant a church in an area that otherwise could not afford a full-time pastor. He would be a tentmaker. 

It is an insightful idea that likely grew out of his service on Tenth’s church planting committee. Starting churches in low income areas is difficult because of the cost involved. Furthermore, there is little Christian counseling offered in these urban areas, again for the same reason. Robert and Jennifer will tackle both problems, and I think they may be setting up a model for others to follow.

I believe Robert will succeed. God has granted him much ability and a heart for his people. This copied email from a church member who has profited from Robert’s teaching in Bible school sums him up well.

“I also wanted to say that I really appreciate the obvious preparation that you do for each class, and the abundant patience that you show, and the respect and dignity that you accord each person who has a question or comment, regardless of its quality or depth, both before and sometimes long after class. As much as the content of the class, this ministers effectively the essential love and grace of God to his body rightly coupled to his Word as it should be, and I praise God for the sensitivity and attentiveness that he has given you towards this often neglected critical aspect of ministry. Each person is treated as if they are, and have, treasure in his/her earthen vessels.”

Having served seven years with us, Robert’s last day is July 27. May the Lord’s blessings be with him and Jennifer as they continue to serve God’s kingdom.