Pastor Robert Rosio

A far-reaching ministry started with one person who had a passion to educate and change lives. Robert (Bob) M. Rosio began his teaching career in 1965 and spent 12 years teaching French and History at the former Verona High School (now Riverview in Oakmont). As a member of Oakmont Baptist Church, and later, of Dayspring Christian Center, he became involved in plans to establish a Christian school as an alternative to public education. At this point he made the decision to teach in the newly formed Christian Academy. The experience of teaching in an all-Christian day school awakened Rosio’s call to the ministry. He approached the church about entering the ministry and sought ordination. After becoming ordained, the new school took him on as Assistant Pastor and Principal. Under Pastor Bob’s guidance, the school became a major influence in Christian education. The Academy began under the ministry of Dayspring Christian Center and offered education from Nursery through 12th grade. In 1982 Dayspring Christian Center separated from the school so Dayspring could focus on evangelization and missions. At this point Pastor Rosio founded Cheswick Christian Fellowship Church and moved to Cheswick, where he continued to develop the Christian education ministry. He firmly believed that for the school to be successful and fulfill its mission, a church had to be behind it. At Cheswick Christian Fellowship, every member is a necessary part of the body. “We’re a down to earth church,” Pastor Bob said, “where everyone is accepted.” Although considered a small church, its ministry in the last 22 years has changed many lives. The love, labor, dedication,and time of the church members have made this major educational mission and ministry a fulfilling and successful work. Pastor Rosio has built a solid foundation in church membership which encourages growth, ministry, and Biblical literacy within the church. In addition to the Sunday worship starting at 10:30 am, there is a Thursday night Bible Study which focuses on great chapters of the Bible, and a women’s Bible study as well. The youth group is linked to the students at the Academy and meets with other youth groups, including Dayspring Christian Center. A Sunday school program takes place after the morning worship starts and children often perform musical presentations for the church.

Pastor Bob and his wife Marie have dedicated their lives to Christian education and ministry. Pastor Rosio has even found time to write several books on subjects ranging from American culture to educational theory. (For a list of some of his titles, see the end of this article.) Todd Rosio, Pastor Bob’s son, has also dedicated his life to teaching and occupies the Principal’s position at the Academy. Many others have come to stand along side of the Rosios in teaching and support positions at the Academy. It is this labor of love by the church members and those affiliated with the Academy that has influenced so many in the last 26 years and promises to continue in the years to come.

Watch Pastor Bob's video interview

Cheswick Christian Fellowship 1407 Pittsburgh St., Cheswick, PA 15014 724-274-7675 http://cheswickchristian.org/ Cheswick Christian Academy 724-274-4566 http://www.cheswickchristian.homestead.com/

Here are a few of Pastor Bob M. Rosio's titles: Avoiding Educational Meltdown (1994) The Culture War in America (1995) Studies in Western History: Antiquity to Modernity (1997) John Bunyan: God’s Tinker Tales from the Trillium Trail: Stories for the Young and the Young at Heart (2000 children's story)