Robert C. Sloniger

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Robert (Bob) SlonigerChurch Planting Pioneer Goes Home(1928-2015)Son of Clyde and Edna Mae Sloniger, Bob grew up on a farm near Payson, Illinois.  This simple farm boy was a bit of a skeptic and so he decided to enroll at Lincoln Bible Institute to study Archeology in order to prove the reliability of the Bible.  After receiving a BA, and two Masters Degrees (LBI €™55, €™58, and €™60) he got the proof he was looking for and has never wavered in his faith since.  Bob spent the rest of his life serving God.Bob€™s first ministry out of Bible College was in Palmyra, IL,  which is a ministry he cherished.  But feeling God€™s call, he moved his family to Chicago to become the Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church in Harvey, IL.  It was from this ministry that Bob began to help new churches get planted. Bob eventually became the Executive Director of the Chicago District Evangelistic Association (CDEA) where he served until his retirement. Bob was passionate about reaching unchurched people and pioneered many new church planting methods that led to him having been responsible directly or indirectly for the start of 50 churches across the United States. Bob also served as the chair of the Loftis Foundation, which also funded new church plants.Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Maxine who was always at his side supporting his ministry.  Together they had six children:  Sue, Darrell, Darolyn, Denise, Brad  and Darren.  Bob and Maxine had 18 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grand Children and 3 Great Great Grandchildren who were the joy of their lives.  Their children all say that they were truly blessed to have been raised by such amazing parents and describe Bob and Maxine as the closest thing to unconditional love they€™ve ever seen on this earth.   Bob and Maxine had an incredible love for their God and family.After Maxine€™s death in 1999, Bob married Juanita Hamblin.  They were happily married for the last 14 years of his life. Juanita and Bob were blessed to be able to share a beautiful time together.Bob leaves behind an incredible legacy of accomplishment but few have lived with the kind of genuine love for people and unwavering commitment to Jesus and passion for preaching the Gospel as Bob Sloniger.  He will be missed.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ignite Church Planting Home, P.O. Box 189,Schererville, Indiana  46375Services will be heldWednesday October 7 – Wake 2pm €“ 4pm –  Funeral 4:30pmSuncrest Christian Church10009 Parrish St.St John, IN 46373(219) 365-9000Burial Thursday at Payson Cemetery, Payson, Illinois at 2:30PM