The Rev. Robert P. Goolsby (Bob) was born and raised in the Ft. Lauderdale area of South Florida. He is married to Karla who is a native Texan and a Communications and Public Relations specialist. Karla’s son is an officer serving in the U.S. Navy, and her daughter is an Educational Technology Specialist in Virginia – making Bob a proud stepdad.

Growing up in the Diocese of Southeast Florida, Bob served in youth ministry leadership at Holy Sacrament Church in Pembroke Pines and later as High School Youth Director at St. Mary Magdalene in Coral Springs. In 2002, he earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida in Orlando while serving at St. Richard’s in Winter Park.

In 2005, Bob graduated from the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, earning a Master of Divinity. During seminary, Bob served at St. Mark’s in San Marcos, Texas in many leadership capacities while preparing youth for Confirmation. He was ordained as a Deacon by Bishop Leo Frade at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, Florida on April 17, 2005, and ordained to the Priesthood by Bishop Don Wimberly at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Kingwood, Texas on November 2, 2005, where he served as the Assistant to the Rector. In 2008, Bob became the seventh rector at St. Christopher’s in Houston, Texas. Bob has had successful ministry to families with children, and young adults, providing pastoral care, Christian education and formation, and ministry in two large Episcopal day schools. Bob’s specialties in ministry include parish administration and leadership, and spiritual growth.

Bob came to St. Thomas, Palm Coast as our fifth Rector on September 1, 2018. Bob’s passion in ministry involves bringing people into the presence of God through worship and liturgy, Christian education, Christian service, and evangelism. His faith in God and firm commitment to Jesus Christ is rooted in prayer, scripture, and the rich heritage and tradition of The Episcopal Church.