About Us

Kristin is a Southern Georgia belle, who graduated from UGA as a veterinarian May 2010. Carter grew up in NC, went on to seminary, became an ordained pastor, and has completed his doctorate of ministry. After retiring from full-time ministry, Carter is thoroughly enjoying being a financial advisor (and volunteering on the ministry side of things). After about a month of emailing, asking questions, and going through the steps of eharmony.com, we were full of excitement and became very eager to meet one another face to face. October 25, 2009, we met and enjoyed every minute together. We had no doubt God was going to strengthen our relationship with Him as well as with one another. Carter proposed August 9, 2010 on the boat in the middle of Lake Wylie at sunset. Kristin said "Yes" after some happy tears. We got married April 2, 2011 and what an amazing beautiful day that was! God has continued to bless us throughout our marriage. On May 18, 2017, our family grew when God gave us our son, Micah. We look forward to see what He has in store for us each and every day. We are super blessed to be serving the Lord wherever we are. God is constantly surprising us with new callings!

MAY: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons
What is the “Big Idea?” 
I’m not sure if you have noticed or not but recently in my sermons, I have said, “The Big Idea is___” or “The Big Idea today is___.” This refers to the key phrase for the sermon that I’m hoping people are going to remember first and will be the main takeaway from the message.
This “Big Idea” preaching comes from Haddon Robinson (no relation), a great preacher and retired professor at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. His concept is that each sermon needs one central idea and that is the “Big Idea.” Haddon Robinson also says that the “Big Idea” comes from the scripture and that each passage of scripture has a “Big Idea.” My job as pastor is to study God’s Word to find the “Big Idea” from each scripture, and then I am supposed to take that “Big Idea” and teach it to the congregation. Of course, each sermon and every sermon’s goal according to Haddon Robinson is to be transformational for the listener.

So, what’s the “Big Idea?” I’m hoping to be teaching this through my sermons. Pay attention, listen up, and see if you can hear the “Big Idea” from my sermons. It’s not the illustration, its not just one point, but it’s the “Big Idea” of the entire sermon. Since this is a new idea and concept, I’m hoping that people are going to start hearing that phrase, remembering the key idea, and maybe even writing it down. I encourage notes. Remember, transformation into becoming more like Christ is the goal. How cool would it be if we ALL are constantly being transformed by the Word of God?
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April: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons
“Son of God”
Have you seen “Son of God” yet? If you did, what did you think about it? If you didn’t, I encourage it. If you have the time, read through the Gospel of John first. If you have more time, spend time reading through Matthew, Mark and Luke before you go. But, even if you don’t read John or any of the gospels first, I suggest you GO! The movie is a continuation of “The Bible” mini series with the same cast and characters.
So often we complain how there is nothing good on TV or in the movie theaters. Well, now there are a couple of movies out in the theaters that are good so we have no excuse not to go see them. “Son of God” is out now as I write this, and by the time this article is out, “God’s Not Dead” will be showing also.
So much that we watch does not glorify God. It is good to know there are a handful of movies right now that do glorify God. My advice is GO! GO see them! We, as Christians, have a duty to change the world, right? One very simple way is to go to the theaters and see the good movies...the movies that proclaim and glorify God. Hollywood is just about chasing the mighty dollar. We can help them and encourage them to make more Christian films by showing them that Christian movies can make as much or more than other films that profane the name of Christ.
Some might say that these movie producers are just trying to make money, and that they aren’t really Christians. I heard the producers talk at Catalyst Conference, two years ago, and they talk a good talk if they don’t have Christ in their hearts. This previous year at Catalyst, we heard the producer of “Noah” talking about his goal of bringing back the Hollywood Biblical Epic. I don’t know if Noah will be a good movie. I haven't seen it yet. I have heard many different things about it. The preview we saw at Catalyst last year looked good, but that doesn’t mean it will be a good movie. Only time will tell.
Mark 9:38-40
Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”

With so much that is against Christ today and many shows/movies that profane HIS name, let's take advantage of those that don’t profane His name, and support those producers who are trying to make Christ’s name famous on and off the big screen.
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March: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons
Thanks for the prayers! What an incredible two weeks I had in Charlotte during my Doctoral Residency. The two weeks flew by! God is doing great things in many of my resident mates' lives. It was awesome to be back with my classmates that I have not seen for a year, and also have new classmates joining our Doctoral journey.
During the two weeks, we got to know and learn from Dr. Scott Gibson, who is one of the foremost authorities on preaching today. He taught us the Big Idea Biblical Preaching, which teaches us that: 1. There is a “Big Idea” in every Bible passage and 2. We are to preach that “Big Idea” clearly. One of the first things I read as I prepared for the residency was that preaching should be transformational. Every Sunday we preach, we are preaching transformation. We ALL should be transforming into more passionate disciples of Jesus Christ and becoming more like Christ.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
I don’t think it would be too far to stretch Paul’s thoughts to say that scripture is for preaching also. And most importantly, scripture is used for transforming lives as well as training us to become more passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.
During the class, each of us in the cohort had to study a passage, find the “Big Idea,” find the subject and complement, find the complete exegetical idea, find the homiletical idea, make a complete outline, and then preach the sermon without notes! It was an incredible experience! I’m hoping my preaching will change and improve greatly!

I hope you will take note of my preaching over the next few weeks, months, and years. I’m hoping we all will be able to see many differences and changes. Hopefully, everyone will be able to grow and know that transformation is the goal. I’m praying that we together can be transformed and learn to walk with HIM as a Body of Christ.

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February: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons
I will be in Charlotte at my second Doctoral Residency on February 2nd -15th. My first residency was two weeks in January- February 2013, and my third and final residency will be two weeks of February 2015. I can't believe my "middle" residency is here! Time has flown by. To prepare for this residency, I have completed some projects, read many, many, many books, written papers, studied scripture, and so much more. Kristin and I would greatly appreciate your prayers during these two weeks (well every day for that matter, but please take time these dates to lift us up to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ). I will definitely be challenged and stretched through this residency and the rest of this journey to come! This residency is called, Pastor as a Preacher, so these two weeks are about preaching and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the world. I know it will continue to be a lot of hard work, but I’m very excited!!

 A large part of this residency is studying the Word of God. I am thoroughly enjoying being challenged by my class to truly study the Word of God. Digging deeper and studying scripture is a joy of mine.

What is your first reaction when you think about studying/actually study the Word of God? 

 Do you study the Word of God on a regular basis? Is it a joy to you?

What I mean by that is do you take time and do more than read but actually study it? Get into it, study the people, the places, the geography? Dig Deep?

If not, or if so, might I suggest a book: “Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word.” Rick Warren talks about 12 ways to dig into and study the Word of God. It has many practical steps to get into studying scripture.

Let’s Dive Deep into the Word Of God! 

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Worthy

by The Robinsons
“Hosanna, Hosanna. You are the God who saves us, worthy of all our praises. Hosanna, Hosanna. Come have Your way among us, we welcome You here, Lord Jesus.” 

This was part of a chorus to a song I heard on the way to church a couple weeks ago. The words “You are worthy of all our praises” were in my head most of that day...and many days since then!  How often do we praise Our Father? Do we praise Him daily for everything He’s given us? Or do we just turn to Him in the storms? Do we praise Him for who He is? Do we praise Him for the little things? What about the big things? What defines the difference of little and big? What about the struggles that in the end glorify God more than had the “journey” been smooth sailing? Do we stop long enough to truly say “thank you?”

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1

This song really got me thinking and thanking God for: 
Who He is! Scripture. A church. My godly husband. A roof over my head. A job. Family. Friends. My students. Worship. Accountability. Praise songs. A warm shower. Sunday School Family. Love. Various “struggles” (that in the end I would have not changed one bit). Grandparents (a special bond). A car that runs. Women’s Ministry. Having all 5 senses. Mentors. Good health. Past experiences. A testimony. Water to drink. Faith. Sunsets. Advanced education. JAM kiddos. The Beach. Upcoming opportunity to walk the footsteps of Jesus. Doctors. Challenges that have taught me to lean on Him even more. Food to eat. Forgiveness. Seasons of Life. Soft pillows and warm blankets. Hope. Communication. Prayer. And of course this list could go on and on.

This is an entry that could easily go on for pages, but I will close here with Psalm 92: 1-5.


It is good to praise the Lord
and make music to your name, O Most High,
to proclaim your love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,
to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
and the melody of the harp.
For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
How great are your works, O Lord,
how profound your thoughts!

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January: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Who needs something new? 

 New Year, New Life in Christ!

It is a new year... As we begin 2014, why not start it with a new and renewed relationship with Christ?

If we are IN Christ, we are a new creation. How incredible is that? The old has passed away, and we are made new. All of our old failures, our old sins, our old insecurities are gone!!!! We are new, and we have a new life and a new relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I pray that if you have never lived in this new life that Christ has given you, then 2014 is a perfect time to start. Submit to Christ. Turn your life over to HIM and be a new creation! If you have any questions about this, feel free to talk with me or Pastor Frank!

Now if you are already IN Christ and a NEW creation, our challenge is to be ambassadors for Christ. What does that mean?

TO GO OUT! Bring NEW life to others around you who are in desperate need. We are challenged to plead to those around us who don’t know Christ, to introduce them to Christ, and to help them become the new creation that we are all called and meant to be.

There are so many people who are in need and are LOST...a neighbor? Friend? Family member? Colleague? A PIPC visitor? The list goes on... Let’s be ambassadors for Christ and share the LIGHT of Christ this new year with the lost.

This sounds like a great New Year's Resolution: To be an ambassador for one person you know who doesn’t know Christ. Just one. If each one of us is Christ’s ambassador to one person this year, we would change many lives, and help many be reconciled to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Are you going to commit to do this???? Come on! We are all in it together; let's be His hands and feet! What a difference this can make! 
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December: Carter's Corner

by The Robinsons

JOY to the WORLD the LORD is COME!

Are we ready for HIM to come? It’s that time again, Christmas time! Some have been counting down for months; many are excited; and there are some who are dreading Christmas this year for one reason or another. No matter where we are in the spectrum, Christ will come. Christmas is almost upon us, but are we ready? REALLY?

Kristin and I have had a few friends recently give birth or have announced that they are having a baby in the months to come. There is excitement about friends having babies. This excitement is good! We have also been hearing about all the work that is required to prepare for a new baby. Baby items to be purchased: diapers, strollers, car seats, and so much more. The baby’s room needs to be re-done, painted and fixed up, and sometimes even a new room needs to be built on or built in for a baby’s room. There is always LOTS of preparation for a baby, especially for a couple’s first baby.

Do we take this amount of time to prepare for the birth of Jesus, the King of the Universe?

Maybe our hearts and lives are in the wilderness and desert that Isaiah was talking about in Isaiah 40. Maybe, just maybe, we are a wilderness, a desert. What must we do to prepare for Christ’s coming? Are we talking about Christmas now or His triumphant return? Maybe it doesn’t matter because they need the same preparation. A preparation of hearts, which requires humility and submission to the Lord of the Universe, who was born as a baby at Christmas. A preparation of our heart requires heart surgery. It requires us taking our heart of flesh and exchanging it for a heart born of the spirit. It requires us to have our heart no longer oriented on our wants and desires but on the desires of Christ. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” Once we understand that, we can start the process of preparing our hearts for Christ this Christmas.
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