Celebration of Service

Pastor Miley retires after 26 years

In January, Pastor Martus Miley ended 54 years of ministry – 26 as the spiritual leader of River Oaks Baptist Church – by encouraging his congregation to love each other deeply and to love others as Jesus loves them… to “share life” in a truly meaningful way.

He and his lovely wife and ministry partner Jeanie have shared life in a most special way, serving as spiritual mentors, role models, servant-leaders, and teachers of the Gospel – not only for their congregation but also for ROBS, which is a ministry of the church.

Right of out of seminary, Pastor Miley worked with young people as the leader of the Baptist Student Union at Angelo State University, then served as pastor of Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo. His ministry at River Oaks Baptist Church began in 1992. For more than a quarter century, he has preached hundreds of sermons and performed baptisms, marriages, and funerals for families he loves like his own.

“Pastor Miley baptized my two daughters, and he performed the marriage ceremony for my oldest daughter,” said Gail Stewart, church member, longtime ROB trustee and former ROBS parent. “He handled the services for my husband when he passed away. He’s been such an important part of our family – not just as a spiritual leader and example, but as a kind and steady friend, too.”

Jeanie teaches a popular, active Sunday school class, in addition to publishing books that help people apply biblical teachings to their everyday lives. “Jeanie has always been selfless in her support of the church,” Stewart said. “I have been in her Sunday school class for many years, and she has a great ability to build strong connections with all ages and with both women and men; it’s wonderful to witness.”

Friends describe the Mileys as approachable, relatable listeners who put themselves last and who connect to people in an authentic way. Pastor Miley’s collaborative, humble leadership style has played a particularly important role on the ROB Board of

Trustees through the years, significantly strengthening the relationship between the School and the Church – and giving the School the space to grow and change in innovative ways without losing its Christian focus. His steady presence on campus demonstrated the Church’s steadfast support of the School, from attending events and cheering on the Raiders to just visiting with students in the cafeteria.

The ROBS community came together in January to offer choral music, speeches, prayers and gifts to celebrate the life and service of the Mileys. They chose the song, “Speak Life,” as the special music for the allschool service because Pastor Martus has spoken life to so many. Over 25 years, nearly 2,000 ROBS graduates have left with his encouraging prayers covering them.

The Mileys have three daughters and eight grandchildren. They enjoy country-western dancing, great restaurants and time with friends and family.

“Martus and Jeanie are dear to me and to ROBS,” said Leanne Reynolds, Head of School. “He has had a profound impact on my life, guiding me personally and professionally. He and Jeanie are mentors, teachers and friends. We love them, and we are so grateful for all they have done for the church, the school and the community.”