The First Church of the Open Bible in McKeesport has a bi-vocational pastor, Bob Fagin. This means that our pastor has a secular job as well as his duties at the church. Pastor Bob is also a machinist and works night-turn.

Pastor Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois and has been singing and involved in ministry for over 27 years. He has been a pastor for over 17 years and has been the pastor of the First Church of the Open Bible in McKeesport, PA for over 10 years. He is a talented guitar player, singer, and songwriter, having written over 20 songs.

In November 1999 Bob volunteered as a Board Member for The Well Ministries. It was also then that he and other church members, Lou and Kris Rhoades, started a Worship Team at the Open Bible Church. Bob plays guitar and sings on the worship team.

In February 2000 the three of them decided to start ministering outside of the church at nursing homes, other churches, etc. and Chalice was formed as a part of The Well Ministries. In July 2001 they added Gary Coddington to the music ministry. In August 2002, while singing with Chalice, “Basking in the Light,” one of Bob’s songs, became the the title track for their second recording. Pastor Bob produced his own recording of original songs called “Jesus Christ: Real Man” that released in the Summer of 2003. Bob continued to sing with Chalice until January of 2004 when family and work commitments took precidence and he resigned from Chalice and the board of The Well Ministries.

In 2006 his love for music and ministry brought the beginning of “God’s Grace” while a few friends got together to play and sing for nursing homes in the area. Bob continues to lead this group.

Bob has been married to Pam for 17 years and is the father of five children. Their youngest two are twin girls.

Pastor Bob has also contributed the following articles/stories for “The Well” publication:

“The End: Step Out In Faith” - Volume 6 Issue 1 Page 21
“The Value of Life” - Volume 4 Issue 2, page 20
“The End: Seek God While He May Be Found” – Volume 4 Issue 1, page 12
“Significance” – Volume 3 Issue 1, page 21
“Transition” – May/June 2001, Volume 2 Issue 5, page 12
“What Do You Believe” – April 2001, Volume 2 Issue 4, page 21
“The End: The Most Glorious Spring Yet” – March 2001, Volume 2 Issue 3, page 22
“Love” – February 2001, Volume 2 Issue 2, page 10
“The End: The Father’s Love” – November 2000, Volume 1 Issue 15, page 26
“Mother Hen” – May 2000, Volume 1 Issue 14, page 8
“Resurrection Day” – April 2000, Volume 1 Issue 13, page 8
“The End: The Breath of Life” – March 2000, Volume 1 Issue 12, page 23