Webb sees serving community as honor, privilege

There are few things Bishop Ron Webb derives more joy out of than service.

“It’s an honor to serve. It’s a privilege to serve,” Webb said. “It’s not that I have to, but I get to — and I’ve always looked at it from that perspective.”

That strong desire to serve has led Webb to serve his community in many ways — as the pastor of Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church in Poplar Bluff, through the SEMO Restoration Center, the Heartland Family Center and through the Bridge the Gap initiative to close the gap between the community and law enforcement. And, it is why Webb has been named as a 2020 Difference Maker.

Webb was nominated as a Difference Maker by Poplar Bluff Chief of Police Danny Whiteley.

“Bishop Webb has maintained a humble life and a commitment to our community even as his ministry and profile grows to greater heights,” Whiteley said. “He believes strongly in establishing and maintaining relationships with people of all walks of life.

“He (uses) these relationships to reach out and help those in our community in times of need and crisis. Bishop Webb’s life is a shining example of how one person can make a difference.”

Webb’s desire to serve others dates back to when he was growing up in a family of 10.

“We learned early in life it’s one thing to have the best, but it’s something else to make the best of what you have,” Webb said. “I also live by the quote of John Maxwell, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’

“I saw a lot of needs and then my heart broke even as a teenager because I saw a lot of young men [imprisoned] for just minor crimes that were strung out on drugs — they were getting five-10 year sentences for marijuana. … I wanted to be a part of the solution and not just recite problems.”

Webb received a call to ministry when he was 18 and a freshman on the Three Rivers Raiders men’s basketball team.

“Coach Gene Bess gave me my first opportunity to preach in Pensacola, Florida, at the hotel,” Webb said. “We were in a tournament there, and we were [heading] back on a Sunday ... so he says, ‘Ronnie, I’m going to call all of the players in the room and I want you to give a devotion — I want you to preach your first sermon here.’

“So, I tell everybody that my first ministry was a hotel ministry.”

Webb’s ministry has grown exponentially from that humble beginning.

“Bishop Webb’s leadership abilities were first seen on the basketball court when he was a Three Rivers Raider playing for Coach Gene Bess,” Whiteley said. “In the pursuing years, Webb’s leadership abilities have been recognized and availed by many. The past three United States presidents have met with him. He currently serves on President Trump’s National Faith-based Advisory Council, an elite group that convenes at least once a month to advise and pray for federal policies.”

Of Webb’s ministry efforts outside the pulpit, the Bridge the Gap initiative might be the most important right now.

“Webb’s skills and expertise have been utilized by three Missouri governors during times of racial tension,” Whiteley said. “On several occasions, he has successfully negotiated local issues that would have escalated greatly without his involvement and wisdom.”

While Webb acknowledges he cannot solve every problem, he can still make a difference.

“There are so many needs out there — and we can’t meet every need, but we can do our part,” Webb said. “I oftentimes quote Mother Teresa — she says, ‘If you can’t feed a hundred, feed one. Start by feeding one.’”