An Autobiography with Memoirs "Striving to be more than artist or theologian, he learned to accept." In Defining Moments, I attempt to tell my story by pointing to events throughout my life that, together, conspired to define the person I've come to be. I feel my fifty years of ministry -- while a gigantic influence -- were less important to my 'rock tumbler of a life' than marriage and family, travel, and what I like to think of as 'Luck.' Others may think of this in terms of God's Grace. If I had to choose a solitary word to describe my life, that word would be Grateful! John Rogers -- proud father & grandfather, pastor & teacher -- understood himself to be more court jester and poet than theologian. Turns out his core mission was essentially to cheer and to heal pastors, congregants and institutions. He usually chose challenge and adventure over permanence and career. Something of a wounded healer, he shared his gifts in both domestic and international settings.

ABOUT BARBARA ROGERS: Shortly before she died in 2016, Barbara attempted to record her own life journey to help her children & grandchildren better understand their mother & grandmother. Her brief but valuable notes are included here for their glimpses into her point of view, as well as their added insight and information.