Originally from Turlock, CA, Pastor Robert attended CSU, Stanislaus where he received a BA in liberal studies (teaching degree). It was during his years in college that the Lord opened his eyes and revealed to him his sin and need for a Savior. While in college he married his wife, Dawn from modesto, CA. After college they moved to Portland, OR where Robert attended Multnomah Biblical Seminary and received a graduate degree in Bible and a MA in Pastoral Studies. They left Portland to take a call to a church near Savannah, GA. Robert served as an elder at Ephesus Church for almost six years before returning to California to plant Berean Baptist Church. The Coles have three children.