Reporter’s Note: I believe that the true measure of a man is not based on the depth of his wallet or number of admirers he has. I believe, rather, that the true measure of a man is based on the depth of his heart and the number of lives he touches. Though I have only known him for a brief period of time, I believe that Jason Roberts, who ministers at Forrest Park Church of Christ, exemplifies the true measure of a man. I met Roberts through Vicki Roberts, who attends Forrest Park Church of Christ. As she spoke about the young minister, I felt compelled to meet him and share his story with the public. Today, meet Jason Roberts, a faithful man on a mission to spread the gospel.

VALDOSTA — Jason Roberts’ father was in the military, so he did an ample amount of traveling as a child. Most of his childhood was spent in South Carolina, where he graduated from Stratford High School in 1988.

When asked why he chose to preach, the now 38-year-old minister replied, “I have a love for lost souls and a love for people.” He then explained his journey more in-depth.

Roberts became a Christian at the early age of 15, but his decision to become a minister came later. This decision was developed over time through research, prayer and the influence of encouraging older preachers. Roberts recognizes one preacher, now deceased, as being particularly instrumental in his decision.

“I consulted with him over the phone because I had a Bible question and our conversation led to a friendship,” Roberts said. “One day he asked me if I was interested in preaching. At the time, I had not considered it. After seeing him preach at a lecture in Memphis, Tenn., I became more interested in the Bible and more interested in teaching the gospel.”

Upon high school graduation, Roberts enrolled in Harding University in Searcy, Ark., where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Psychology in 1993. He entered the Memphis School of Preaching in January 1994 and graduated with a degree in Bible the next year.

Roberts began his preaching career in 1995 as a youth minister in Alabama. This year also marked the year he married his wife, Marci, with whom he now shares a son, 9-year-old Addison, and a daughter, 6-year-old Charli. Marci is now a teacher at Lanier Elementary School. Addison and Charli both attend Dewar Elementary School.

Roberts came to Valdosta in 2000 after he had a chance meeting with two elders from Forrest Park Church of Christ while in Tennessee.

“I was serving as an associate minister at the Memphis School of Preaching in April 2000 and I literally bumped into them,” Roberts said. “They mentioned that they were looking for a minister. Three months later, I was preaching in Valdosta.”

Roberts feels that his tenure with Forrest Park Church of Christ has been quite fulfilling.

“Some of the finest people I have come to know are sitting in these pews every Lord’s day,” he said. “We have various church and community-oriented programs that cater to members from all age groups. There is no insignificant member in our congregation. The cradle role is just as important as the senior role here.”

Among programs the church offers is “Monday Night for the Master,” which consists of a strong visitation team. The purpose of the program is to contact visitors who visited the previous Sunday and possibly bring in new members. “Monday Night for the Master” is also the time when the team reaches out to members who are sick or grieving.

“Through this program, we ensure our members of how much we value them and let visitors know that we value their presence as well.” Roberts said. “People don’t care how much you know until they first know how much you care.”