Ron Sterk

elder

Family: Kay, wife of more than 30 years; Emily, daughter attending K-State; Rebekah, daughter living in Nashville; Jonathan, son living in K.C.; Heather, newest addition and Jonathan's new bride as of Sept. 6, 2008.

Influences: my wife has been my greatest influence the past 30 plus years (thank God); Mrs. Brock, a 6^th grade teacher; several pastors over the years; Paul (as in the New Testament Paul); and the Bible in general. I also like Charles Swindol and Anthony Evans.

Epic Moments: getting married; the birth of each of our three kids; our 30^th anniversary vacation; walking into the ocean after one of our kids (long story); helping my mom in her win over cancer; attending my first presidential press conference, 9/11/05; listening to people tell how they have been changed by Christ. Most recent - son getting married.(Rather than epic, my life has been more like several mini-series.) 

Spare Time: remodeling, ballroom dancing (just learning), wine tasting. I thought there were be more time for hobbies once the kids were gone; it hasn't worked out that way.

Books: The Bible is the only one worth reading more than once.

Music: Classical, some Blues, some older Rock, some movie soundtracks.

Movies: Bridge Over the River Kwai, the earlier Star Wars (especially the first), several Clint Eastwood flicks, Transformers.

Food: anything with almond flavor/paste, especially Dutch pastries from Pella, Iowa; a good cup of coffee (not Starbucks); baked beans; steak; several of my wife's dishes.

At Starbucks, I order a: I don't go to Starbucks unless there is severe peer pressure.

Biggest Frustration: people who drive poorly; moving up the list are really liberal people, especially those who spin their wheels doing stuff they think is good or will change the world but it really doesn't make any difference and it is done totally without God in the picture; $4 gasoline

Motivation: No matter what I do - worship, work, play - I do it as if I'm doing it for God and for his glory. (and sometimes I do things just to make my wife happy.)

Personal Motto: Get over it. I also like Nike's "Just do it." 

Your role at Covenant Chapel (in your own words): Servant leader who tries to help out wherever he's needed; making sure everyone one knows what it means to be Reformed (Calvinist).