As East Side Church of God celebrates its 75th anniversary, Pastor Kerry Robinson reflects on the culture of support that has sustained ministry for generations.

By Carl Stagner | Read Time: 4 minutes

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On September 20, 2026, East Side Church of God celebrated 75 years of ministry in Anderson, Indiana. Among many Church of God congregations celebrating centennials, the landmark might not seem significant to some; however, this year, their senior pastor, Kerry Robinson, also marks 30 years in the pulpit. Though East Side has proven one of the most influential congregations in the Midwest, and though the number of lives blessed by Pastor Kerry’s ministry cannot be understated, the story developing from the corner of Harrison and 5th Streets in Anderson since 1951 isn’t really about any one individual—nor is it about name-recognition among larger churches. The story of this hub of hope is appreciation—for commitment among spiritual shepherds and a faithful flock for three quarters of a century, all through the lens of anticipation for what’s next.

“We have so many new people in the past two years who simply don’t have a connection to the past,” Pastor Kerry observes. “We made a decision as we were planning it that we wanted to honor the past but not worship the past.”

Their theme of “75 Years of Sharing Hope,” based on their mission of “discover the hope” turned out to be far more than a one-day observation. A sermon series began in August that led to the big day in September, which coincided with their annual community fall party. A printed devotional titled Every Disciple was distributed for free, and included daily devotions and weekly bite-size chunks of the story of East Side. On September 20, the usual two-service format was combined into one, and two present-day congregants who were blessed to attend the first service in 1951 were featured in a video interview. Donuts and fellowship preceded the service, while attendees browsed photos and memorabilia from across the years displayed on tables and via tech in the church lobby.

Kerry, who celebrates 30 years as pastor of East Side this year, was blessed to be the pastor for the fiftieth anniversary celebration, too. He recounts how all but one of the former pastors were present for that event, though many have gone on to be with the Lord since. But this year’s event would be less about the pastors and more about God and his work through the congregation. Combining the celebration with the fall fest—complete with food trucks, axe-throwing, a 5K in partnership with the YCMA, and various family-friendly activities—made the day a treat for everyone.

Appreciating Pastors and Parishioners

This time of year, much attention is also given to pastors for their tireless leadership and labor of love. Pastor Kerry’s thirty years in one pulpit is certainly worth acknowledgement, but Kerry gives a lot of credit to the people in the pews.

Roscoe Snowden’s span of ministry was over thirteen years, and Dwight Dye’s was about fifteen years, Kerry recounts. David Lynch served a dozen years in ministry for East Side. The church’s first pastor, Bro. Floyd Tunnel, was only there a couple years but it was due to health complications; similarly, David New’s reason for departure was also family health. Pastor Kerry insists that East Side has had a church culture for a long time that expected pastors would stick around!

“The elders here would make sure I’ve taken my vacation, and that I’ve made sure my staff took their vacation time,” Kerry explains. “The church wants to make sure their pastors are healthy.”

Kerry goes on to describe a small portion of the budget the church has set aside for the spiritual and mental health of their staff. “So, part of the secret to pastoral longevity,” Kerry continues, “is the leadership of the church understanding their needs and supporting them.”

To all the churches who support their pastors, we appreciate you!

Practical Handles on Pastoral Health

But Pastor Kerry says he’s learned a few more things along the way about longevity. No doubt his family has appreciated him for intentional boundaries established and enforced.

“When I interviewed here,” Kerry remembers, “I was very happy at a church in Daytona Beach, Florida. While candidating, one of the first things I said was I’ve got a church in Daytona and I love them, and they love me. I don’t need to come here, but if God’s calling me here, that’s what I’m going to do. But you also need to know two important things. Number one, when I get up in the morning, I’m a leader, and I’m leading people somewhere. So, if you don’t want to go anywhere from where you are, leave me alone. I’m going back to Florida. Second thing is this: I will not sacrifice my boys on the altar of this church’s success.”

As history has shown, East Side Church of God supported and appreciated their pastor. Kerry was also able to take off Thursdays, rest and renew from a healthy and flexible sabbatical policy, serve as an assistant coach for his son’s football team, and ultimately be a chaplain for Anderson University basketball. He differentiated his identity from his role—he was always Kerry before he was Pastor Kerry.

“You find a rhythm and boundaries that connect with your soul and the way God made you,” Kerry explains, “and you find a church that allows you to be that person. That’s how you sustain for thirty years.”

Kerry would like to give a Pastor Appreciation shout-out to his father, Forrest Robinson. He also gives a shout-out to pastors James Earl Massey, Maurice Berquist, and Arlo Newell. Don Courtney, and David Lawson, too! Finally, Kerry mentions how blessed he’s been by Norm Patton and Jeff Jenness, who were on his search committee.

Today we also give a shout-out to all the pastors out there!