Rob Cunningham

My spiritual journey began at a very early age, as did my wife's. We were both blessed to grow up in families where our parents were active believers in Jesus Christ who modeled authentic Christian lives. As a young man I yearned for a relationship with God the Father and desired to know Jesus in a rich and life changing way. When I went off to college at Texas A&M my spiritual journey took a large leap. It was in College Station at the A&M Church of Christ that I was mentored by a Godly man who challenged me to live the holy and pure life that Jesus calls us to. It seems since those early days of adulthood I have experienced both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows spiritually. I am a sinner and certainly not perfect, but I realize that through Jesus' blood I am redeemed and perfected. I do not profess to have all the answers but I deeply desire to live a Godly life and to be an active minister of the gospel to those around me.

I believe that the role of a shepherd is fundamentally one of service. This is beautifully modeled by our current elders who shepherd through encouragement, gentle guidance, and personal ministry in the individual lives of Highland members. I do not view the role of an elder to be that of the "rule makers", but rather to be the facilitators and nurturers of the spiritual growth and gifts of others. It is my desire to support, encourage, and challenge each of us to live holy lives that proclaim Christ in an effective and evangelistic way. While I am deeply humbled to even be considered for this role, it is my deepest desire to serve this wonderful group of believers with all my heart, energy, and resources.

My family feels extremely blessed to be a part of this wonderful and diverse family. Since coming to Highland we have always felt that the elders were not here to hinder us, but rather to equip us for the ministries to which we felt called. I pray that God will continue to grow Highland into a body that is unified and that draws all people closer to God as we serve our church family and our community. I pray that Highland will be a healthy, healing place where God is glorified and people find His wonderful, extravagant grace in abundance.