Robert & Lisa Bearden

Rob is a licensed and ordained pastor and Air Force veteran. Prior to entering full-time ministry, he served in the United States Air Force for 25 years holding a variety of leadership positions, including as a Vice Wing Commander at the United States Air Force Academy and as the commander of two logistics squadrons.

During his time in the military, Rob served in 10 states and seven countries, including deployments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the United States Naval War College with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. Also, He holds a Master of Philosophy in Military Strategy from the Air Force’s School of Advanced Air and Space Studies and a Master of Arts in Organizational Behavior from George Washington University. He completed his undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Rob met Lisa on his first assignment to Alaska, and they married shortly afterward. Lisa was born and raised in Delta Junction, Alaska, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Bethany University. She is a full-time homeschool teacher, teaching their younger two children while their oldest is now in college. Lisa has served in a variety of roles over the years in preschool, nursery, couples, and women’s ministries.

As the Lord moved the Bearden’s from place to place with the Air Force, Rob gained ministry experience serving as a men’s ministry director, adult Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, retreat director, and deacon. Rob and Lisa are passionate about pastoral care, a calling the Lord placed on their hearts following his time in Afghanistan, and excited to be part of the Arctic Barnabas team.