7 Questions with John Bohrer

This week we bring you the man who has many hats, a heart for Jesus, and a zeal for the adventures he is led through by Him! John Bohrer serves as the Director of Missions for the Shasta Association, President of the Director of Missions Fellowship, Pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Red Bluff, husband, father, grandfather, and friend! John’s key responsibility in these roles is being a pastor to pastors and helping train and encourage pastors and others through his years of experience in his walk with the Lord. And now, 7 questions with John Bohrer.

I usually have 2-3 books going at one time. My usual genres of choice primarily are the classics and murder mysteries, but right now, I’m reading “Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions,” by Gregory Koukl. I really enjoy it because it goes over different ways to talk with people about their faith.

We only buy the kind that goes over, and I follow the directions.

Haha! I could talk for hours about this! But we will just go with the first one that comes to mind. There was a local funeral home that would call me a lot to help out here and there with things. In this specific situation they called and asked if I would drive the flower van. I agreed to help out. The day of the funeral, a situation occurred, … and the Funeral Director asked if I would fill in for his duties as he handled the matter that had arisen offsite. He had assured me he would be at the graveside to handle the service from that point. While he was out, he was in such a hurry that he ended up backing his vehicle into a telephone pole and was delayed even longer. So, I also ended up performing at the graveside service as the pastor also. It was quite a day!

As a chaplain, you have to learn to develop most conversations with the people you come into contact with. I came across a particular question through the years and have used it ever since. “How are you and God getting along?” It usually causes people to think, and it really starts a good conversation from there.

My hero, Peter. I feel like I can relate to him in the way he responded to questions from Jesus. When I volunteer and respond to questions, afterward I think to myself, “I should have thought that through a little more.” I strive to be a staple, as I like to think Peter was.

Growing up my grandparents owned a 10,000-acre ranch and dairy. It was a cowboy ranch for sure! It was my playground! During the summers, my boy cousins and I (there were 7 of us) would spend our days at the swimming hole and just had a lot of fun. When it was time for bed, 5 of us would share a bed. Let me tell you, it took a while to fall asleep! After college, I lived with my grandparents. It became no secret that I was my grandmother’s favorite. She really spoiled me!

I see him as Guide. I love the adventure that He has led me through because I’ve been on some fascinating adventures.